A banner day for musical theatre fans, as National Treasure and star performer Michael Ball throws his creative energies into his debut novel. He’s obviously listened to the first rule of novel writing by writing what he knows and bringing us The Empire, an historical novel set in the golden age of music hall and musical theatre. 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. Sarah Bauer, editorial director 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.’

The Empire – Michael Ball Fan Club

Using the theatre as the central character, this story kept giving more intrigue, more suspense and more entertainment.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. It has a fabulous, colourful cast of characters, all of whom have connections to The Empire and their stories seamlessly wove together in the book.

The Empire by Michael Ball | Goodreads

Who doesn't love a bit of Michael Ball, he's the king of the stage whether he's acting or singing. Turns out he's also a pretty good author too, The Empire was glitzy, glamorous and an absolute delight to read. The book is set in the 1920s and revolves around the Empire, a theatre whose future is in jeopardy. In 2007 Michael made his BBC Proms debut with An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall, which marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the Proms. In 2016 he released Together with friend and singer Alfie Boe, with the album becoming the UK’s best-selling album of 2016; and in 2020 they released their first festive album, Together at Christmas. This may not be the kind of work that wins the Booker prize, but it is highly entertaining, will undoubtedly sell well and will have members of the Michael Ball fan club in raptures. Michael Ball turns his hand to writing with his fiction debut, The Empire . From the aftermath of the Great War, to the Roaring Twenties, to the Blitz, Michael's brand new series will tell the story of the high notes and low notes of British musical theatre in all its glamour, greasepaint and glory.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. By modern standards, I think it is a slightly over-the-top cosy mystery. But it reeks of the 1920s, when excess was what everyone wanted, to escape from the horrors of the previous decade. So it becomes–very fittingly–a period piece, masterfully crafted. It’s a roller-coaster ride that keeps you on your toes, and brings you to an unexpected finish. Well… and the expected conclusion. And above all it’s great fun! This book is written by someone who obviously loves, and enjoys, working in the theatre. It is easy to read and is a warm comforting book, like a cosy blanket you enjoy curling up with. The characters are very realistic, everyone has a good and a bad side just like in life. There is a fairly large cast of characters, which meant that the story and the world of The Empire felt very lavish, like those rare occasions where a theatre production has a company of more than 25 people on stage and a full orchestra in the pit. While some characters were more front and centre than others, each one was unique and well-developed – and they all had a part to play in saving The Empire. Take, for example, actor-manager Ivor French and doorman Danny Moon. They're a seemingly unlikely pairing, and yet they were the heroes of an intriguing sub-plot towards the end. Whilst I don't think it being written by such a well loved and respected all round entertainer {and reputedly one of the nicest people you could wish to meet} as Ball can do any harm, I genuinely thought The Empire a pleasant read.

The Empire by Michael Ball | WHSmith

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. There is another theatre owner in town, Joe Allerdyce, who is desperately wanting to get his hands on the Empire. How far will he go? The Empire evokes the grandeur and magic of the theatre setting, the excitement, hard work and extravagance of staging a show, especially when it’s a make or break situation. I loved the sense of camaraderie between the actors and crew, once one or two had been put in their place, but regardless of that, things don’t always run smoothly. There’s more going on behind the scenes than on the stage. 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! I am not sure if I read a story or watched a play. As I was reading through, I could imagine all the scenes (and acts) in my head. The glitz, the glamour, gossip and rumor, villains (well, every story must have one, right?) and a dash of romance, this book is an absolute masterpiece.The Empire is the gorgeous debut novel by musical theatre superstar Michael Ball. As someone who has been a huge fan of Michael’s for many years, I jumped at the chance to read and review an advanced copy of his debut novel. But I must admit I did feel a little bit of trepidation going in as I was more than aware that just because Michael is an amazing entertainer and all round nice guy, it didn’t mean he would be able to put pen to paper and write a novel I would want to read. But thankfully I needn’t have worried as The Empire is everything I hoped it would be and more, the story mesmerising as Michael brings the glitz, glamour and romance of the theatre vividly to life. Secrets are uncovered, and with every book set in theatreland, despite all the wrangling, the show must, and does go on. Here he meets Grace, who he feels an immediate attraction to. But there's no time for that! Grace is extremely busy, working alongside a select 'cast' trying to keep open the theatre that they love. The Empire is under threat from a rival theatre owner and they are determined that he will not get his hands on it.