The Empire - Michael Ball

 

Welcome to The Empire theatre

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes.

There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?

When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it's too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.

Enjoy the show!

Purchase Links - http://unbouncepages.com/Michael-ball/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

https://www.amazon.com/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

My Review:

Michael Ball, a family favourite, a personality, someone full of charm and with a twinkle in his eye who entertains millions, and now an author. I was intrigued when I heard that he was writing a novel and more so when I knew more about it’s setting. I hoped that Michael’s personality would lend itself to producing an entertaining read. I was not disappointed in the slightest, far from it, I was enchanted.

The book is well structured, sections aptly named in theatre terms i.e overture, various acts, finale etc. There are many, many characters though (you do get a long list of who is who at the start) and it takes a little while to get them straight in your head but once you do it’s fine; having such a huge cast of characters allows you to have favourites as well as those you love to hate; smaller storylines intertwine and create strands within the main plot very well.

I don’t want to give away much of the storyline but there is a lot going on, not in a chaotic way but a lot does happen so it’s great that it’s been written in such a captivating way. I didn’t want to put it down as I was completely in the moment and there alongside the characters.

The Empire encapsulates the theatre and musical world, from backstage to performance, cast to writers to owners; the love of theatre shines through Michaels words. Through his vivid descriptions and story you can imagine being both behind the scenes as well as out in the audience watching a smash hit show.

With glitz, glamour, and romance as well as drama, heart break and scandal, The Empire is a warm and entertaining read that will captivate and transport you to London old West End.

I was very impressed by this debut and I genuinely hope it is the start of a series or we, at least, have another set in The Empire. Highly recommended!

Author Bio:

Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums. The Empire is his first novel.

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