As a starstruck eight-year-old, Ben Bowman watched in awe as Michael Jackson performed his dazzling routines live on stage.

It proved the moment that inspired the youngster to pursue a career as a singer and dancer.

He was obsessed with recreating the superstar’s voice and trademark moves, which has led to him being billed the UK’s top tribute act.

Now, fans can see his extraordinary metamorphosis at the Marlowe Theatre.

The former Canterbury College student, who grew up on Sheppey, said: “I first saw Michael at the old Wembley Stadium in 1993 on the Dangerous Tour. He was electrifying.

"His ability on stage was inhuman and he remains the greatest performer I have ever seen.”

Ben’s career took off in 2005 when his first professional gig at the Wyvern Hall in Sittingbourne went down a storm.

It led to him cutting short his performing arts studies to pursue his dream, and now, he plays to audiences of more than 20,000.

Ben, who lives with his partner in Meopham, has spent thousands of pounds on a replica wardrobe for his shows, which focuses on Jackson’s 90s look.

But although he has a facial likeness to Jackson, he has resisted the temptation to have surgery to enhance it further.

“I did consider it but then what happens when I get to the age when I can no longer be a Michael tribute act?” he said.

“A very good make-up artist taught me how to get the best result and now I do my own. But I have to wear a wig now because my hair is thinning a bit.”

He has honed his act through studying Jackson’s performances and brings a remarkable recreation to the stage with the help of a 15-strong team of dancers, musicians and technicians, and 11 costumes changes.

“Even now I am learning new things to bring to the performance, sometimes even just a faint mannerism,” he said.

“But it also keeps me remarkably fit. I reckon I am fitter now than when I was 18 because of the dance routines.”

Ben says Jackson fans still crave to see their idol and he loves being able to recreate the atmosphere and energy of the show in such uncanny realism.

“I had tickets for his This Is It show that never happened because of his tragic death. I would have loved to have met and chatted to him, but sadly never got the chance,” he said.

But the one thing Ben doesn’t have to worry about is being pursued by hysterical fans.

“When I take the make-up and clothes off, I can be myself and incognito which is something Michael never could,” he said.

“I have even slipped out of the stage back door of a gig while fans have been waiting, and not been recognised.”

The Marlowe show will be a homecoming gig for Ben, who says: “I can’t wait - it will be a real buzz to perform in Canterbury which I love and in front of what will feel like a home crowd and especially my family,” said the 32-year-old.

The audience can expect Jackson favourites including Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Man in the Mirror and Ben’s favourite, Smooth Criminal.

The show is at the Marlowe today.

For details visit www.marlowetheatre.com