Michael Ball will pen his first fiction novel, titled The Empire. Set in a scandalous 1920s northern theatre, the book will be released in October 2022. It is intended to be the first in a series that charts the "high notes and low notes of British musical theatre in all its glamour, greasepaint and glory". Michael Ball is the UK’s foremost musical theatre star, and a multi-platinum recording artist and popular radio and TV presenter. He has starred in a huge number of hit musicals including Les Miserablés, Hairspray, Sweeney Todd and Aspects of Love, in both the West End and on Broadway. Michael Ball ( Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd) is about to star in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Aspects of Love, at the Lyric Theatre in London, playing the part of George. He is joined in the company by Jamie Bogyo ( Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Alex, Laura Pitt-Pulford ( Sunset Boulevard, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Nell Gwynn) as Rose, Anna Unwin as Jenny and the internationally renowned soprano, Danielle de Niese ( Man of La Mancha) as Giulietta. A warmly told tale of theatre life, from the owners, behind the scenes crews, the stars of the stage and all the way to the delicious bad guy determined to bring down the curtain for good. It’s great timing to be releasing his autobiography on the eve of this new revival of Aspects of Love (the show starts performances tomorrow, 12 May 2023). In 1989, a young Michael Ball landed the lead role of Alex in the musical Aspects of Love, a moment that changed his life forever.

West End superstar Michael Ball has announced that his autobiography, “Different Aspects: A Memoir”, is hitting the shelves in October 2023. Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.Set in the early 1920s, The Empire tells the story of a fictional theatre of the same name in the north of England. Known as ‘the jewel of the north’, it’s a palace of dreams which holds a very special place in the nation’s heart. But it’s not all bright lights and encores and the actors are not the only ones donning a disguise. With whispers of a cover-up, a scandal and sibling rivalry, tensions rise along with the curtain. For there is treachery at the heart of The Empire Theatre and a dark secret waiting in the wings . . . A press statement describes the book as “part exploration of the pitfalls and pratfalls of modern theatre and part exploration of his life, his career and his relationships”, and describes the book as the story of a life lived on the stage. Sarah Bauer, editorial director of Zaffre and Kate Parkin, managing director of Adult Trade Publishing, acquired world all language rights in a two-book deal from Gordon Wise and Alastair Lindsey-Renton at Curtis Brown. She said: “Whether on the stage, radio or TV Michael always entertains, moves and delights his audience, and I know the same will be true of his books. To be swept away to another world by such a brilliant and instinctive storyteller as Michael is the escape I think we’re all craving.” While the criminal elements held no surprises it was still enjoyable to see the threads all unraveling. The added touch of romance was delightfully charming and definitely added to the story. And then there's Joseph P. Allerdyce. He is he owner of many other entertainment venues in the region and has a plan to let The Empire fail under its new management so the new owners become desperate to sell and he can add the building to his list of conquests.

If I could give a standing ovation to a novel, I would do so for this one. I already cannot wait for more stories penned by actor-turned-author Michael Ball! You want entertainment, some theatrical pizazz and a sparkle of historical fiction? Look no further. And narrated by the author too, Michael Ball who is a legend in the theatre world, added that extra layer of greatness. He has the voices and personalities spot on. Olivier Award winning West End star Michael Ball is set to tour the UK next year, including dates at the Eventim Apollo in London, Manchester’s O2 Apollo and Cardiff’s St David’s Hall. The plot takes the reader, and theatregoer in us, behind the curtain to the running of a theatre with its fair share of ups, downs and secrets. Write what you know they say. And Michael Ball, a star of musical theatre for over 30 years has certainly done that. The Empire is a glitzy production with an enormous cast and an authentic story that gives a greater idea of just how much work goes into every production, both on stage and behind the scenes.I’m definitely keen to follow up more into this series though and hope there will be more to come! Now I know the characters it might make reading the next one a little easier!

I thought the plot was excellent. It has pace and dynamism with some unforeseen surprises along the way that are completely enthralling. I’m desperately hoping for more narratives involving some of the key players in future books because they have taken on a vivid reality in my mind through reading The Empire. Indeed, The Empire is such an inspired title. It’s a physical theatre, but so much more, with criminal empires, family empires and enough historical reference to engender an unsettled time of Empire for the country when social norms were being challenged and tested. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of identity, of our place in society, of team work and of honour that pervade what is a smashing narrative and which add depth and interest. Michael will be writing more books, making this into a series, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next for everyone!OK, so the writing isn't what I'd describe as the most accomplished, the story is something of a slow burner and there are a lot of characters {referenced to at the front of the book} introduced in a short space of time which can be problematic if you aren't on the ball {no pun intended} as whilst they may initially appear insignificant, some have a larger part to play overall, however ... Although the number of characters is formidable, if you can follow the many storylines in Downton Abbey, The Empire’s large cast is doable. The storyline does require concentration to keep all the pieces straight, and I’m not sure if I would have liked it quite as much if it hadn’t been for Michael Ball’s notoriety and entertaining narration. I am thrilled to be working with the team at Zaffre and we are having so much fun. These novels are going to be a love letter to all the theatres and performers I've worked in and with around the world." I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear Michael Ball had written a book! I’ve been such a huge fan for so many years. I was hoping for a book full of his trademark warmth and wit, and a bit of glamour and romance, and that is exactly what Michael has delivered. Although I found this to be a well written and informative novel about the world of theatre it sadly left me feeling unmoved, failing to hold my interest and I will not be reading the sequel. Don’t let me put you off reading this though, as if you are a fan of Michael Ball and the world of theatre, it will probably appeal to you.