PRESTON'S Charter Theatre is gearing up for a real Thriller who promises not to be Bad -- and it's all in aid of charity!

For female Michael Jackson impersonator Mikki Jay is is set to wow audiences with a host of the star's greatest hits at a Charity Variety Performance on April 17.

Despite being a woman Mikki Jay (pictured) has an uncanny resemblance to the 'King of Pop' with a voice and dance movements to match.

The show has been produced and directed by dance teacher Melanie Bodman to raise money for three local good causes.

It has been sponsored by The Citizen and will be compered by renowned Preston singer Tony Slater, with appearances from top singers Martin Branigan and Jerry Hornby as well as Barries Duo.

Money raised from the charity performance will go to the Medicine and Chernobyl charity, which needs cash to help children in Belarus affected by the nuclear disaster.

Some money will also help disabled schoolboy Sam Dowd get to Florida for water therapy with dolphins and enable staff at St Joseph's playgroup, Preston, to renovate their building.

From memorable Jackson Five tracks to the singer's masterpiece Thriller, Mikki Jay will no doubt go down a storm on the night.

"She is a first class performer and one of the best sound-a-like acts I have ever heard," Tony Slater said.

"Mikki Jay not only sounds like Michael Jackson -- she looks like him and dances the same as well. She is absolutely terrific." Tickets, £7 (adults) and £5 (children and OAPs), are available from Melanie on 768616 or from the Charter Theatre box office on 258858.