The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

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The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

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Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel. 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. The Empire has all the qualities of a great piece of theatre, an interesting plot, characters that the audience (reader) can really relate to, romance, comedy and a suitably dramatic ending. How I loved this book! I am delighted to say how much I enjoyed this novel, written by Michael Ball, an all- time favourite singer/ actor of mine. A celebrity artiste who is an excellent writer is something of a rarity, in my experience, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I should have known Michael Ball would be a safe pair of hands,. As an avid theatre goer, lover of musicals, and an enthusiastic amateur in musical theatre, this book was perfect for me. The characterisation is strong, the storyline original, and the plot line tight, everything I had hoped for, and was thrilled and a little surprised to find in ‘ The Empire’. Using the theatre as the central character, this story kept giving more intrigue, more suspense and more entertainment.

The Empire by Michael Ball | Waterstones

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. 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. There's an ailing theatre, villains and the dash of fairy dust that you'd expect if you've ever listed to Michael Ball! A cast of strong women, proper gentlemen, a few baddies and a terrier called Ollie who watches the stage door, keeping anyone out he doesn’t like. It's very well written and you feel as though you are experiencing the theatrical era in which it is set and the characters are three dimensional and interesting.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. 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 . . . The Empire is an accomplished debut. The story flows well and is written with warmth, feeling and wit, along with touches of romance. There are also darker moments, dirty dealings, tensions and secrets to uncover, but despite the unexpected and dramatic finale there’s no question of giving up. Michael Ball has been a star of musical theatre for over 3 decades; winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice! Michael will be writing more books, making this into a series, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next for everyone!

The Empire by Michael Ball | Waterstones The Empire by Michael Ball | Waterstones

Lots of fun, this historic crime novel has a cast of entertaining characters who you will enjoy meeting. Michael Ball's brings all his theatrical experience to his debut novel as we are introduced to 'The Empire', a wonderful theatre whose future is in jeopardy. 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. He also just happens to be the handsome romantic type, who starts out as the stage door man but in no time at all falls for the shy but lovely heroine and proves himself to be a budding impresario, who puts together a revue, led by a star hauled out of a fish and chip shop.

I have liked watching and listening to Michael Ball for years, now I can truthfully say I like reading his work as well! 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! When I heard that the talented star of musical theatre Michael Ball, was writing a novel as seems to be the thing to do with so many celebrities, I was of course curious. With his lifetime of experience in this world he has sensibly chosen to use his vast knowledge of the theatre to produce this novel. I definitely recommend as an escapist, enjoyable read. Congratulations to the author and thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview. I loved the feel of this book. It was a joy to listen to and was so effortless to slip into. It had some great characters, the plot was steady and entertaining and the whole thing just felt easy.



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  • EAN: 764486781913
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