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
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.
Social
Media Links – Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmichaelball/ // https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks
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I"m so glad you enjoyed this! I love the time period and the setting
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