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

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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.

The Empire – Michael Ball Fan Club

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. 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 . . . 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. I have liked watching and listening to Michael Ball for years, now I can truthfully say I like reading his work as well! Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.An absolutely brilliant debut novel, just show Michale Ball has another string in his bow that of author, is there anything he can’t turn his hand to? Thank you for bringing the theatre to us readers. Superb.

The Empire by Michael Ball | Goodreads

It's the 1920s. Everywhere, people are still reeling from the after-effects of the war. In particular, the town of Highbridge and the fabulous folk trying to make the Empire theatre a success, despite sabotage and skullduggery 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. 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. 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.BUT! Just when things are on the up, interference from within threatens everything – perhaps even the theatre itself…

The Empire - British Theatre Guide Book review: The Empire - British Theatre Guide

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. For his literary debut, Ball has immersed himself in the world of perhaps the greatest author of novels such as The Good Companions set in and around the theatre, J B Priestley.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 Ball to tour the UK in 2024 with On With The Show Michael Ball to tour the UK in 2024 with On With The Show

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book. 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. The story has a bit of everything in it, so it is a romance, a mystery, it has loss and regret and hope for the future. Set between the wars in the 1920s this has the glamour and glitz of the music hall and variety shows. This is where the author really did work his magic so well. There were several times when I got goosebumps reading this book. Whether it be the cast getting a scene right, someone singing and dancing at an unexpected moment or when the cue for the show is called. The emotions and feelings that this book oozed were spo0t on for me. The Empire came up on NetGalley’s list, and I liked the sound of it. With other celebrity authors, though, I’ve had trouble getting rid of their voice. Would Michael Ball be different? The only way to find out is to read it.

As well as the story of The Empire, this is also a story about certain characters as well. It is the everyday lives and working relationships of those who work in the theatre. They are a family and they have close bonds and therefore loyalties. This is something that I adored, as the author took me through the mazes behind the scenes, to the offices, the foyers, the dressing rooms and the stage.