Added 6 November 2011 SWEENEY HEADS TO LONDON Yes it's true, Sweeney Todd, starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton will be heading to the Adelphi
Theatre in London's West End for a strictly limited 26 week run commencing in March 2012. More details can be found
on the official Sweeney Todd Facebook and Twitter pages
Added 31 October
2011 TRAILER FOR HEROES DVD
Added 28 October 2011 PROMOTIONAL TV APPEARANCES FOR HEROES LIVE DVD Monday 7th
November – Lorraine ITV (8.30am) Tuesday 8th November – QVC (9am) Wednesday 9th November –
Magic FM (1.30pm) BBC London (2.25pm) Thursday 10th November – Loose Women ITV (12.30-1.30pm) Friday
11th November – Chris Evans Radio Show - BBC Radio 2 (6.30am) Strictly Come Dancing - BBC2 6.30pm ‘It Takes
Two’ Saturday 12th November – BBC Radio 4 (8.45am) Strictly Come Dancing ‘Red Button’ Sunday 13th November – CIN for Radio 2 (3pm – 5pm) Monday 14th November – OK TV - Channel 5 (6.25pm) Tuesday 15th November – The Wright Stuff - Channel 5 (9.15am) Week commencing 21 November
- Michael will guest on Steve Wright in the Afternoon - BBC Radio 2 (2.00-5.00pm)
All the above are subject
to change.
Added 25 October2011 HEROES LIVE DVD Michael's brand new video Heroes Live, filmed at the Birmingham Symphony Hall earlier this year is released on
14 November. Here are three clips:
Added 15 August 2011 HEROES LIVE DVD - TO BE RELEASED 14 NOVEMBER 2011 Relive Michael Ball's Sold Out Heroes
Tour with this DVD. Michael’s new tour features solid gold, classic songs which were originally big hits for legendary
artists such as Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel and more. The songs featured were hits
in the 1950s, 60s and 70s and have stood the test of time, such as 'Summer Wind' by Frank Sinatra, 'Joanna'
by Scott Walker, the beautiful 'Play Me' by Neil Diamond, Billy Joel's 'New York State Of Mind' and Tony
Bennett's version of 'For Once In My Life' to name just a few. The DVD also features an exclusive Dress rehearsal
featurette.
Added 10 March 2011 SWEENEY TODD Michael will be playing Sweeney Todd at the Chichester Festival 2011
between 24 September and 5 November.
In Person Open for personal callers Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm (6pm when no performance) and
on Sundays from 2 hours before the performance.
By Telephone Please call the Box Office on 01243 781312 during
opening hours: Monday– Saturday 10am–8pm (6pm when no performance) and on Sundays from 2 hours before
the performance.
By Post Please make all cheques payable to Chichester Festival Theatre and send to: Box
Office Chichester Festival Theatre Oaklands Park, Chichester West Sussex PO19 6AP
Added 17 February 2011 HEROES
- RELEASED 14 MARCH 2011 ‘HEROES’ is a lush, romantic, late night album featuring torch songs, ballads,
love songs and beautiful string and brass arrangements.
“I’ve wanted to record a late-night
collection of timeless, romantic songs sung by some of my own musical heroes for ages,” explains Michael. “It’s
a tribute to the singers I grew up listening to, whose records I bought when I was a teenager and who, over the years, have
taught me so much about singing and performing. I’m talking about legendary performers who have entertained millions
of people all over the world and whose work simply never dates.”
The songs featured on ‘HEROES’
were hits in the 1950s, 60s and 70s and have stood the test of time with their universal themes of love and understanding.
‘Summer Wind’ by Frank Sinatra sums up a reflective mood while walking in the cool desert sands of Las Vegas;
Johnny Mathis’ ‘Misty’ is from one of Michael’s favourite films, ‘Play Misty For Me’;
the brilliant, dramatic ‘Joanna’ was a massive hit for Scott Walker in 1968; the beautiful ‘Play Me’
was written by Neil Diamond, one of Michael’s favourite songwriters and ‘Weekend In New England’, written
by Randy Edeman was an American No.1 for Barry Manilow in 1976.
And there’s more…”Most people
think of Stevie Wonder’s ‘For Once In My Life’ as the definitive recording,” continues Michael, “but
Tony Bennett’s ballad version inspired me even more. If ever there was a hero it’s Tony Bennett –
he’s one of the most admired performers in the world – I hope I’m still working at 80 like Tony!”
Billy Joel’s classic ‘New York State of Mind’ opens with the first few bars of Gershwin’s
‘Rhapsody In Blue’: “When I think of New York I think of Broadway, Central Park, Woody Allen’s ‘Manhattan’,”
says Michael, taking his inspiration from the film’s soundtrack.
There’s also a bonus track…“I
just had to record ’Avenues & Alleyways’ by Tony Christie…with Tony Christie! When I was ten
I used to watch the TV series ‘The Protectors’ starring Robert Vaughn; ‘Avenues’ was the theme tune
and it’s stuck with me ever since. Tony Christie is charming, stylish, very cool and I’m honoured that he
agreed to record it as a duet with me.”
Song Title
Sung by/Hit for
1. Let The Heartaches Begin
2.
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
3. Play
Me
4.
Summer Wind
5.
For The Good Times
6.
Misty
7. When I Fall In Love
8.
You Don’t Know Me
9.
Weekend in New England
10. New York State of Mind
11. Joanna
12. I Can’t Help Falling
In Love
13. He’ll Have To Go
14.
For Once In My Life
Long John Baldry (1967)
Tom Jones (1969)
Neil Diamond (1972)
Frank Sinatra (1966)
Perry
Como (1973)
Johnny Mathis (1959,
Nat ‘King’
Cole (1956)
Ray Charles (1962)
Barry Manilow (1976)
Billy Joel (1976)
Scott Walker (1968)
Elvis Presley (1962)
Jim Reeves (1960)
Tony Bennett
(1967)
Bonus Track - Avenues and Alleyways duet with Tony Christie.
Added 14 January 2011 CLASSIC FM PODCAST Michael has been doing a round of radio interviews about his producing role on Love Story.
You can hear one on Classic FM's podcast:
Added 16 November 2010 STARCARDS - GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's
Charity annually hold a Christmas auction and this year you can bid for Michaels' StarCard. The auction goes
live for 10 days from Thursday 25 November finishing on Sunday 5 December and will be viewed globally. To preview Michaels'
StarCard follow this link:
Added 9 November 2010 MICHAEL TO PLAY EDNA IN HAIRSPRAY AT NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE It has been announced that Michael will be playing
the role of Edna in Hairspray at the New Wimbledon Theatre from Tuesday 15 March until Saturday 26 March 2011. Here
are all the details and how to purchase tickets:
Or in person at the New Wimbledon Theatre Box Office.
Tickets priced
at £16.50-£43.50 plus booking fee.
Added 14 October 2010 A
LIFE ON STAGE - NEW DVD RELEASED 29 NOVEMBER 2010
Join Britain’s leading musical theatre
star, multi-platinum recording artist, TV and radio presenter and Olivier Award winner, Michael Ball for ‘A Life on
Stage’ his brand new DVD for 2010– a must have present this Christmas. The DVD features 25 of Michael’s
most popular hits from all his previous DVD releases and 45 mins of specially filmed behind the scenes footage including commentary
from Michael himself, shot throughout the year at:
• Hampton
Court Palace Festival–Concert Day • Michael as Stage Producer •
His TV show ‘The Michael Ball Show’ • His Radio 2 show ‘ Sunday Brunch’
Let Michael take you to the movies with stunning renditions of silver screen smash hits such as ‘The Winner
Takes It All’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘We Have All The Time in the World’
Then put your
hands together for unforgettable and show stopping performances from the West End to Broadway, including Tell Me It’s
Not True (Blues Brothers), High Flying Adored (Evita) Can’t Stop the Beat (Hairspray) and many more…
With the celebration in full swing, get your dancing shoes on and ready to party with Michael as he belts out pop songs
from Amy Winehouse, Duffy, The Scissor Sisters and the odd Eurovision hit too!
Fans, friends and family will all
love “Michael Ball A Life on Stage” ” on sale nationwide from 29th November 2010 (RRP £19.99).
As well as his Sunday Brunch for BBC Radio, Michael has been presenting a new series for ITV, The Michael Ball Show. His 15
solo albums have all achieved gold or platinum status and his discography includes: Michael Ball, Always, One Careful Owner,
First Love, The Musicals, The Movies, Music, One Voice and the superb homage to Burt Bacharach, Michael Ball – Back
To Bacharach.
Songs include Michael at the movies
We have all the time in the world/ Millennium from James Bond Winner Takes It All - from Mamma Mia The way we were– from The Rose Hot Stuff – from The Full Monty Blues Brother Medley- from The Blues Brothers Michael on the stage Tell Me It’s Not True – from Blood Brothers Gethsemane - from
Jesus Christ Superstar Love Changes Everything - from Aspects of Love I
Know Where I’ve Been – from Hairspray High Flying Adored –from Evita
Loving You - from Passion Michaels party anthems Don’t
Stop Me Now– by Queen Dancing in the dark – by Bruce Springsteen
Crazy Rehab – by Amy Winehouse I Don't Feel Like Dancing –
by Scissor Sisters Mercy - by Duffy One Step Out Of Time
You Can’t Stop The Beat – from Hairspray Michael’s personal favourites Something inside so strong
Mack The Knife
This is the Moment Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
The Show must go on - from Moulin Rouge The Prayer
Impossible Dream
Added 21 September 2010 MICHAEL
BALL HEROES TOUR 2011 Michael has today announced
that he will be hitting the road once more across the breadth of the UK to perform a brand new show; ‘Heroes’.
Aptly named, Michael will be performing some of his own hits plus many of his own ‘Heroes’ of the music world
will be immortalised on the tour with Michael’s own tributes to stars of past and present.
Michael has wowed West End audiences, to stunning critical acclaim as the fabulous, lovable, supersized Edna
Turnblad in the hit production of ‘Hairspray’. Such was the response to this production of ‘Hairspray’
at the Shaftesbury Theatre that the production hit the road throughout the UK and Ireland this year, with Michael, again taking
his role as ‘Edna’.
A dynamic performer and multi-platinum
recording artist, Michael tours the UK on a regular basis and plays to capacity audiences every time. He has had is own BBC
Radio 2 programme, as well as his current ITV 1 series – The Michael Ball Show, which is pulling in massive ratings
for his brilliant mid afternoon TV chat show.
Michael Ball –
‘Heroes’ Live in 2011
May
TUESDAY 24 DUBLIN GRAND CANAL THEATRE WEDNESDAY 25 BELFAST WATERFRONT FRIDAY
27 EDINBURGH USHER HALL SATURDAY 28 GLASGOW CLYDE AUDITORIUM MONDAY 30 NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
June
WEDNESDAY 01 MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO THURSDAY 02 SHEFFIELD CITY HALL SATURDAY 04 LIVERPOOL
EMPIRE SUNDAY 05 BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE TUESDAY 07 NOTTINGHAM ROYAL CENTRE WEDNESDAY 08 NOTTINGHAM ROYAL CENTRE FRIDAY 10 BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY
HALL SATURDAY 11 BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL SUNDAY 12 CARDIFF MILLENNUIM
CENTRE TUESDAY 14 OXFORD NEW THEATRE WEDNESDAY 15 IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE FRIDAY 17 PORTSMOUTH
GUILDHALL SATURDAY 18 BRISTOL COLSTON HALL SUNDAY 19 SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER TUESDAY 21 LONDON ROYAL
ALBERT HALL WEDNESDAY 22 LONDON ROYAL ALBERT HALL FRIDAY 24 PLYMOUTH
PAVILLIONS SATURDAY 25 BOURNEMOUTH BIC SUNDAY 26 BRIGHTON BRIGHTON CENTRE
Added 6 August
2010 SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN'S HOSPICE Michael has announced that he will be performing an exclusive concert in aid of Shooting
Star. Michael Ball and Friends, will take place at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London on October 10.
Or you could try the VIP Platinum Package which includes: - Reserved dress circle seats - Exclusive pre-show reception
with Michael Ball in attendance - Champagne and canapes (for one hour) - Exclusive gift - Commemorative VIP
laminate
Karen Sugarman, Director of Fundraising Development said: 'Shooting
Star is so excited about Michael's concert. It will greatly raise our profile and create much-needed funds for the hospice.
Some of our families will also be able to enjoy this special evening and, as ever, we are so grateful to Michael for his continued
support.'
Added 26 July 2010 THE
MICHAEL BALL SHOW Michael's new TV series on ITV1 commences on Monday 16 August at 3.00pm and will be transmitted
Monday-Friday until Friday 24 September. Michael has some great guests lined up, as well as appearances by many fan
club members in the Ballette Challenge – should be fun!
Added 1 July 2010 MICHAEL TO APPEAR AT KILLRUDDERY HOUSE ON 29 AUGUST 2010 Michael will be performing
an outdoor concert at Killruddery House in Bray, Wicklow, Ireland on Sunday 29 August 2010. Tickets can be obtained
from www.ticketgroup.ie?michael_ball_tickets or by telephoning 00353 818 33 33 44.
Added 1 July 2010 MICHAEL
TO APPEAR ON SATURDAY NIGHT WITH MIRIAM Michael will be making a guest appearance on Saturday Night With Miriam
this Saturday, 3 July. The programme goes out live from Dublin at 9.30pm on RTE ONE Here are a couple of
links which will give some of you the chance to watch it.
Added 30 June 2010 MICHAEL TO HOST DAYTIME SHOW ON ITV1 The Michael Ball Show will be broadcast every weekday (dates to be confirmed). ITV described the show as
“a topical mix of entertainment, discussion and showbiz glamour”.
Michael said: “I’m hugely
excited to be joining ITV at such an exciting time for the channel. This show is a great challenge, which I hope will be lots
of fun and feature lots of old friends as well as some new ones. I’m really looking forward to getting started”.
ITV director of factual Alison Sharman described Michael as one of the country’s “best-known and loved
entertainers”.
She said: “His personality and charm will shine as he brings this new show to our summer
schedule packing it with all the style of variety our daytime viewers enjoy.”
Added 26 March 2010 MICHAEL TO APPEAR AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL This year Michael will perform at the Hampton Court Festival on Saturday 19 June commencing at 8.45 pm.
Free car parking is available from 5.30pm and the evening will conclude with a fantastic fireworks display in he East Front
Gardens.
JONATHAN ROSS Michael will be a guest on the Jonathan Ross show
on BBC1 at 10.35 on Friday 5 March
A DATE WITH DOLLY - MICHAEL
BALL MEETS DOLLY PARTON - TUESDAY 9 MARCH 10.30 PM BBC RADIO 2 In the first of two programmes, Michael Ball fulfills
his longtime ambition to meet the woman who's bigger than country music itself, Dolly Parton.
The series, which
coincides with the release of Dolly's CD and DVD package 'Live From London,' breaks loose from the familiar "life
story" approach to this Nashville superstar. Instead, in a long and revealing conversation, Michael finds out what makes
Parton tick, how she keeps her family life private, how she became a canny businesswoman and how even she takes the wig off
sometimes.
Also in tonight's first part, Dolly talks about why she turned down Elvis and how she went about
writing songs for the Broadway production of her hit movie '9 To 5.' Plus live versions of 'Jolene,' 'Two
Doors Down' and the song she reveals as her personal favourite from her catalogue.
Added 12 February 2010 MICHAEL TO APPEAR AS GUEST JUDGE
ON DANCING ON ICE Michael will be appearing as a guest judge on ITV1's Dancing on Ice
this coming Sunday, 14 February. He is sitting in for Robin Cousins who will be away covering the Winter Olympics for
BBC.
Added 9 February 2010 MICHAEL TO APPEAR IN HAIRSPRAY IN DUBLIN Michael will be starring
in Hairspray at the Dublin Grand Canal Theatre from 16-27 November 2010. Tickets can be booked by following this link:
Added 31 January 2010 MICHAEL INTERVIEWS DOLLY PARTON Following a preview of Michael's
interview with Dolly Parton on his Sunday Brunch programme today, the full interview will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in two parts commencing on Tuesday 9 March at 10.30 pm.
Added 24 January
2010 TV APPEARANCES Tuesday
26 January - Interview with Dolly Parton on This Morning on ITV1 at 10.30 am Friday
29 January - Guest Panelist on 8 Out Of 10 Cats - Channel 4 at 9.05 pm
Added 20 January 2010 MBFC WEBSITE UPDATED As you can see, we've given
the website a bit of a freshen up to head into Spring and the arrival of the Hairspray tour in March.
Added 30 October 2009 MICHAEL FEATURED IN SHINE MAGAZINE
Michael talks about his visits to the Hospice, music therapy and how he is going to help in the future,
including the very special concert he will be doing at Feltonfleet School on 12 December.
Added 15 October 2009 AFFORDABLE ART FAIR CHARITY PRIVATE VIEW - WEDNESDAY 21
OCTOBER 2009 Michael will be opening the Affordable Art Fair in aid of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
(RHN).
The Charity Private View will take place Wednesday 21 October 2009,
5.30pm. Tickets for this fantastic evening cost just £25 (with all proceeds going to the RHN) and are available
in advance from the RHN on 020 8780 4565.
Your ticket will give you the chance to view and
purchase the art on display - provide you with access to the fair throughout the event – and see some of the magnificent
work created by patients and resident living with a neurological disability at the RHN. Book
now to avoid disappointment!
For more information about the RHN please visit www.rhn.org.uk
Added 15 October 2009 SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN'S HOSPICE CHARITY CONCERT "Michael Ball A Christmas Concert" takes
place at Feltonfleet School, Cobham, Surrey on Saturday 12 December 2009. Tickets are now sold out.
Added 15 October 2009 CHARITY CABARET NIGHT - SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2009 Charity Cabaret
Night with a fantastic line up of stars guests including* MICHAEL BALL, DAME JUDI DENCH, ANNA FRIEL, JONATHAN PRYCE and musical
support from The Rat Pack’s Back.
Tickets include pre-show champagne and canapé reception
and after show entertainment.
Gala Evening tickets: £200 available from Friends United Network, 0207 485
0900 and amy@friendsunitednetwork.org.uk Gala tickets include pre-show champagne and canapé
reception, top price seats and exclusive after show dinner.
For one night only you will have the chance to be entertained by top international stars singing with a great
swing band - The Rat Pack’s Back. All proceeds to support the work of the award winning London children’s charity,
Friends United Network, Reg Charity No. 1017460.
*All artists billed to appear correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change for reasons beyond
the organiser’s control.
Added 12 August 2009
THE RETURN
OF EDNA
The producers of HAIRSPRAY are delighted to announce that the show
will embark on its first ever tour of the UK and Ireland next year. HAIRSPRAY will also continue to delight over 10000
people a week in London where the West End production runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Michael will open the tour at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff before dates at the Clyde Auditorium
in Glasgow, the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and the Manchester Palace. Further star casting for other venues will
be announced shortly. The tour also marks the first stage of a closer working relationship between the star and producers,
Stage Entertainment. This will involve developing new work and roles both onstage and in a production capacity for Michael
in the future. Plans include a major musical revival in 2011.
Commenting on the Hairspray tour Michael said:
“I knew when I originally took
on the part of Edna that she was going to be a big part of my life, in every way, but I never realised just how big.
Hairspray is truly one of the greatest experiences of my career and the chance to have just a few more nights in those frocks
was an opportunity I couldn’t miss! With so much on I’m unable to do all dates BUT I promise that we’ll
have some brilliant performers lined up for our UK tour. Moving forward, to now be working as an Associate Producer
with Stage Entertainment developing new shows, new roles and new opportunities in the future is an honour, and something I
can’t wait to get stuck in to.”
Producer
Adam Spiegel added:
“We are over the moon that Michael has agreed to launch the Hairspray
tour for us. The show has been a huge success in London, not to mention around the world, and Michael has been a big,
big part of the Hairspray story so far. It’s doubly exciting that not only do more people around the UK now get
to see his gorgeous Edna Turnblad, but we as a company get to work with Michael more closely than ever behind the scenes as
we develop new work together.”
Michael
will be appearing at the following:
30 MARCH – 24 APRIL 2010 CARDIFF MILLENIUM CENTRE
08700 40 2000 www.wmc.org.uk
28 APRIL – 8 MAY 2010 GLASGOW CLYDE AUDITORIUM 0844 395 4000 www.secc.co.uk
14 DECEMBER 2010 - 9 JANUARY 2011 EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
Booking details to follow.
Added 26 July 2009
HAIRSPRAY
Michael finally finished his amazingly successful run in Hairspray yesterday, 25 July 2009 to a rapturous
response from the audience. Next up - tour in September.October.
Added 20 July 2009
MICHAEL BALL PAST AND PRESENT TOUR LIVE
Michael's fothcoming UK tour is to be filmed for a DVD release in November this year. It is already
available for pre-order at Amazon.
You can order your copy now!
Added 19 June 2009
MICHAEL SUPPORTS THE SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN'S HOSPICE
Michael is now be supporting The Shooting Star Children's Hospice whose website can be found by
clicking on this link http://www.shootingstar.org.uk
We've spoken to them and they are so thrilled and truly grateful as they have to raise £3million every
year to keep the hospice running. They've asked if you could send any donations you want make to the
usual fan club address (MBFC, P O Box 2073, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3WS) by cheque/postal/money order to "The Shooting
Star Children's Hospice", rather than doing it through the website. We can then forward them for the attention of a
representative so they know they came from Michael's fans.
PRESS RELEASE - PAST AND PRESENT - THE VERY BEST OF MICHAEL BALL
Michael Ball, Britain’s leading musical theatre star, multi-platinum recording
artist, TV and radio presenter and Olivier Award winner celebrates 25 years in music and theatre in 2009. To honour
this auspicious occasion, Universal Music are to release an outstanding collection of favourite songs and newly recorded tracks
titled Past and Present – The Very Best Of Michael Ball on March 9th.
Some of Michael’s best known songs are included on the album which spans
an incredible career in the worlds of theatre and music; from his West End debut in Les Miserables in 1985 to his Olivier
Award winning performance as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, this absolute must-have collection also features six brand new recordings
from Kismet, Hairspray and An Evening With Michael Ball at the BBC Proms in 2007.
The album opens with The Impossible Dream, a great favourite
with concert goers and taken from the Broadway production and film Man From La Mancha. It’s the first time Michael’s
ever recorded it. And at last record buyers will be able to have their own copy of the brand new and only recording
of Michael and the West End cast of Hairspray performing You Can’t Stop The Beat, the showstopping
finale that always gets the audience dancing.
Other new recordings include This Is My Beloved/Stranger In Paradise
from Kismet in which Michael made his 2007 debut with the ENO in the leading role as Hajj/The Poet – and for which he
garnered universal critical acclaim. He sang This Is My Beloved in the show – here he ‘steals’ the
lyrical, romantic Stranger In Paradise sung in the opera/show/film by the Prince.
The Prayer is
the duet performed by Michael and the Olivier Award winning actress and singer, Laura Michelle Kelly onstage at the Royal
Albert Hall in June 2007 at An Evening With Michael Ball at the BBC Proms – it was the first time an entire evening
had been given to a non-classical singer in the history of the Proms. The song won a Golden Globe for Best Original
Song for Carole Bayer Sager who wrote it for the 1998 animated film Quest For Camelot.
Michael’s many West End
and Broadway credits are represented here; from his 1985 debut as Marius in Les Miserables he sings the beautiful Empty
Chairs, Empty Tables (which he recently performed on ITV’s South Bank Show Awards), All I Ask Of You
(1986) from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Love Changes Everything (1989) Michael’s
chart topping song from Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love in which Michael starred in the West End and on Broadway. Two
of Michael’s concert favourites are Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard and the Rice/Lloyd Webber
composition Gethsamene from the 1972 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which appears on Michael’s 1999
album, Live At The Albert Hall.
The Boy From Nowhere,
from the 1991 musical Matador was originally recorded for Michael’s ‘Centre Stage’ album in 2001; Tell
Me It’s Not True is from Willy Russell’s enduring musical, Blood Brothers, while This Is The
Moment, another of Michael’s fans’ favourites, is taken from the Broadway production of Jekyll &
Hyde and The Winner Takes It All from Mamma Mia was originally written and recorded by Abba for their 1980
Super Trouper album.
Garth Brooks’ lyrical pop
song, If Tomorrow Never Comes was originally recorded by Michael for his 2000 album, ‘This Time It’s
Personal’, and Freddie Mercury’s dramatic, poignant The Show Must Go On is a massive favourite
at Michael’s concerts. Michael’s 1992 Eurovision entry, One Step Out Of Time, was recorded
live and his own composition, Just When, was originally recorded for his ‘This Time It’s
Personal’ album.
One of Michael’s favourite
American composers is the legendary Stephen Sondheim from whose huge canon of work Michael has chosen to record Loving
You from the musical Passion, Being Alive from the underrated 1972 musical, Company and the glorious
ballad Not While I’m Around from Sweeney Todd which is actually sung by the lead character, Mrs Lovett,
and most recently performed by Helena Bonham Carter in the movie. Michael swears he didn’t wear one of Edna’s
dresses when he recorded this one…
MICHAEL BALL on 25
years of music and theatre:
“It’s a milestone and
a celebration,” says Michael. “I really think that if you can still be doing this after 25 years, it’s
worth celebrating!
“I’m lucky that a
lot of what I’ve done has been recorded so I’ve got a catalogue of 25 years of work going right back to Les Mis.
It’s been lovely to be able to record music from Hairspray and Kismet for the first time too – and I persuaded
the whole Hairspray cast to come and record ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ which I think is everyone’s
favourite song from the show.
“Getting my own Prom in
2007 was a career highlight – it was an amazing evening. Laura Michelle Kelly joined me onstage at the Royal Albert
Hall to sing ‘The Prayer’ so I invited her to come and record it with me for the album. I’ve also
recorded ‘Being Alive’, a great number by Stephen Sondheim – it’s the hardest song I’ve ever
sung but it’s a great number; I’ve also recorded my first ever audition song, ‘The Impossible Dream’
from ‘Man Of La Mancha’…I’ve had lots of requests to record it so here it is!
“Every song on this album
represents a major memory for me. Every time you open in a show, every time you create a new character, it’s a
career highlight. The obvious ones are Les Mis, Phantom, Aspects of Love, Passion; the Proms, winning the Olivier and
the whole Hairspray experience has been the best of my life. Appearing on Broadway for the first time, singing at the
Sydney Opera House, the millennium concert in Kuala Lumpar, Windsor Castle – all these amazing places you get to perform
in. And I love doing my radio show! This last year has, without question, been the busiest and most varied of
my entire career. Who’d have thought a big fat housewife from Baltimore would be my soulmate!
“So I find myself after
25 years never happier, more fulfilled and more stretched. And thanks to Universal I can carry on making records of
a first class quality with fantastic musicians.”
Michael won the 2008 Olivier Award
for Best Actor In A Musical with his superb performance as the lovable, supersized Edna Turnblad in the hit West End production
of Hairspray in which he stars until the end of July 2009. Michael has won critical acclaim and the hearts of a fiercely
loyal public with his numerous performances in West End and Broadway shows; his solo recording career has had parallel success
earning him chart toppers and gold and platinum discs while his regular concert tours sell out within hours of going on sale.
Since April 2008 Michael has been hosting his own weekly BBC Radio 2 show – Michael Ball’s Sunday Brunch –
which airs from 11am to 1pm every Sunday
Added 11 February 2009
Michael's new album "Past and Present - The Very Best of Michael Ball" is being released on 9 March 2009.
Tracks:
The Impossible Dream Hairspray - You Can't Stop the Beat Being Alive The Prayer - Duet with
Laura Michelle Kelly Kismet - This is my Beloved / Stranger in Paradise Gethsemane Love Changes Everything Empty
Chairs, Empty Tables All I Ask of You The Boy from Nowhere Loving You Sunset Boulevard This is the Moment
Tell Me it's not True If Tomorrow Never Comes Not While I'm Around The Winner Takes it All Just When One
Step out of Time (Live) The Show Must Go On
Added 19 January 2009
MICHAEL EXTENDS AGAIN IN HAIRSPRAY!
It has been announced that Michael has again extended his contract to play Edna Turnbland in Hairspray until
25 July 2009.
From 2 February, Nigel Planer will be joining the cast to play Wilbur, and Emmerdale's Verity Ashworth will
be playing Penny.
Michael does not appear on Monday evenings. He will be taking holiday between 9-16 March, returning on Tuesday
17 March; also 4-11 May, returning on Tuesday 12 May 2009. He will also not be appearing on Saturday 27 June 2009.
Added 20 December 2009
MICHAEL BALL'S LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS - WEST WYCOMBE PARK - 27 JUNE 2009
Michael will be performing at an outdoor picnic style concert at the West
Wycombe Live Music Festival 2009.
Tickets are now on sale at www.westwycombelive.co.uk - where you can also find more information about the concert.
Full ticket price £36. Book by Monday February 2nd, save £8 and pay £28.
Under 12s price £18 Children Under 6, no charge.
Added 27 November 2008
MICHAEL BALL GOES THEATREMAD FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
Michael Ball is to front TheatreMAD's 2008 World AIDS Day Theatre Bucket Collection Appeal, which takes
place from Saturday 29th November – Sunday 7th December at theatres across the UK.
More than 100 theatres will be participating in the appeal around the UK, including at least 40 theatres
in London, and TheatreMAD – which stands for Theatre: Make A Difference – aims to make this their most successful
World AIDS Day Appeal to date.
Michael commented that, 'I am delighted to support TheatreMAD's 2008 World AIDS Day Appeal. HIV and AIDS
is not a diminishing problem and the team at TheatreMAD, drawing in support from the entire theatre industry, do a great deal
of excellent work in raising money and raising awareness for those affected. At Hairspray we'll be collecting throughout the
appeal and I hope our theatre and theatres nationwide raise a lot of money for this extremely worthwhile cause.'
David Pendlebury, Chairman of the charity, added, 'We are thrilled that Michael is working with us on the
World AIDS Day Appeal this year. His support of TheatreMAD is representative of support we have from the entire theatre community.
We are so grateful to all the theatres that are taking part - from performers and musicians, to crews and theatre management
– and also to our audiences. Whatever you can give makes a real difference. Your small change can change lives.'
Added 30 October 2008
MICHAELS HOLIDAY DATES Michael will
not perform at any performance of Hairspray during the following dates: 20 December 2008 - 5 January 2009 and 9
March 2009 - 16 March 2009 inclusive.
Added 24 October 2008
ROCKY HORROR SHOW TRIBUTE
Remember the Rocky Horror Tribute show that Michael appeared in at the Royal Court Theatre? It's been
released in the USA and is about to be released in the UK - you can order it from Amazon from the links below:
Added 22 October 2008
THEATRES FOR THEATRES
We have received the following
announcement from the Theatres for Theatres appeal:
"We are delighted to announce that Michael has agreed to support Theatres for Theatres,
a new appeal from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Theatres for Theatres
is an exciting three-year initiative to raise £4million to help fund two new state-of-the-art operating theatres at GreatOrmondStreetHospital.
The theatres will be used to treat children with complex and often life-threatening neurological and craniofacial conditions."
Michael at the launch of the Theatre for Theatres Appeal
Michael is pictured here at the appeal launch on 29 September 2008.
For more information please go to www.gosh.org/theatres
We are sure you will all want to support Michael and this very important appeal,
and as soon as we have full details of how you can help we will, of course, let you know.
In the meantime the website listed above gives much more information.
Added 19 October 2008
The Sound of Musicals - Sky TV
Michael is participating in Sky's musical season with this programme called The Sound of Musicals which
is being shown multiple times on various channels, details of which can be found here:
We have confirmation that Michael will be taking holiday between Saturday 20 December and 5 January
2009. He returns to the stage on Tuesday 6 January 2009.
Michael will also probably be having a week off during March 2009 but ths is unconfirmed
at the present time.
Added 3 September 2008
MICHAEL EXTENDS AGAIN IN HAIRSPRAY!
It has been announced that Michael has again extended his contract to play Edna Turnbland in Hairspray until
25 April 2009.
Just a reminder - Michael does not perform on Monday evenings and he wil be taking holiday during the extended
contract - full details to follow.
Added 20 March 2008
MICHAEL'S SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE HAS NOW BEEN ANNOUNCED
A dynamic performer and multi-platinum recording artist, Michael tours the UK
on a regular basis and plays to capacity audiences every time. This summer Michael
will perform for his legions of fans at five special events; he will take to the stage with a full orchestra and special guests
including Lesley Garrett (at Kenwood and Audley End) and other West End stars. Michael will sing some of his best known numbers from his extensive canon including the chart toppers
and songs from musicals such as Aspects of Love, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera,
Hairspray. Whether he’ll be appearing in a ball gown or a tuxedo is yet to be determined…
See below for all concert information.
14 June 2008 - Hampton Court Palace Festival
Seated Open Air Concert - some covered seating to rear of base
court. Tickets from 0455 482 7777 or online at www.hampton courtfestival.com.
Concert with with Lesley Garrett)- Tickets from 0871 386 1115
3 August 2008 - Audley End, Essex Last Night of the Proms with Lesley Garrett. Picnic style - Tickets from 0871 386 1115
10 August 2008 - Patchings Art Centre, Calverton, Nottingham Picnic
style. Tickets from 0870 264 3333 or online at www.seetickets.com. More information about the venue and location can be found at www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk
HAIRSPRAY WINS 4 LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS
At the Olivier Awards on March 9th held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London Michael Ball topped a glittering
year by winning the Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical for his critically acclaimed role as Edna Turnblad in the smash West
End musical, HAIRSPRAY, which also won the award for Best New Musical.
“It is truly something I’ve wanted all my life,” says Michael. “It’s the greatest
theatrical honour you can receive and it really is a dream come true. I see it as the culmination of 25 years of doing
this job and I’m thrilled beyond words…although I would have preferred Best Actress!”
Michael paid tribute to his fellow cast members, Leanne Jones (who won Best Actress in a Musical) and
Tracie Bennett (who won for Best Supporting Role in a Musical): “Being in Hairspray has been the most wonderful experience;
the cast is fabulous, we all have a great time and it just seems wrong to be having such a good time and calling it work!”
Our congratulations go to Michael and the rest of the cast of Hairspray for their wonderful achievement.
Added 20 February 2008 MICHAEL TO GUEST ON DESERT ISLAND DISCS - 2 MARCH 2008 Michael will be guesting on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs show on Sunday 2 March between 11.15 am and 12 noon.
He will choose 8 records to take to Radio 4's mythical desert island. Here's the link:
Added 18 February 2008 MICHAEL TO PRESENT NEW BBC RADIO 2 SHOW
Michael is to present a new BBC Radio 2
show on Sunday mornings called "Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch". The first show will be
on Sunday 6 April and will go out between 11.00am and 1.00pm.
Michael says: "This is a wonderfully exciting new challenge in my career. I hope listeners will make a regular
date to have lunch with me on Sundays."
Lesley Douglas, Controller BBC Radio 2, says: "Michael has proved to be an accomplished presenter
on Radio 2 already. His warmth, obvious love of music and sense of humour make him perfect Sunday morning company."
Michael Ball, Sundays, 11.00am-1.00pm, Radio 2
Added 15 February 2008
MICHAEL BALL HAIRSPRAY HOLIDAY DATES:
Monday 28 April - Monday 5 May 2008 - back on stage Tuesday 6 May 2008 Monday 30 June - Monday 7 July 2008 -
back on stage Tues 8 July 2008 Monday 15 September - Monday 22 September 2008 - back on stage Tues 23 September 2008
From 28 April 2008 Michael will no longer perform on Monday evenings He
is currently scheduled to perform until Saturday 25 October 2008
Michael is planning to do some outdoor concerts during the summer which will involve extra
nights off and as soon as we have details of these we will let everyone know.
Added 7 February 2008
HAIRSPRAY RECEIVES 11 OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATIONS
Hairspray has broken the Laurence Olivier Award record for the most nominated single production in one year, receiving a staggering 11 nominations across 10
categories.
Hairspray is nominated for Best New Musical, Best Actress In A Musical (Leanne Jones), Best Actor In A Musical
(Michael Ball), Best Performance In A Supporting Role In A Musical (Tracie Bennett and Elinor Collett), Best Director (Jack
O’Brien), Best Theatre Choreographer (Jerry Mitchell) and all the design categories. By reaching 11 nominations, it
eclipses the previous record of nine held by Carousel (1993), Oklahoma! (1999) and Kiss Me, Kate (2002).
Added 27 January 2008
ELAINE PAIGE - BBC RADIO 2 SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2008
Just a reminder that Michael is Elaine Paige's special guest on her Radio 2 programme on Sunday 3 February at
1.00 pm UK time.
Michael will be presenting two special shows on BBC Radio 2 between 10.00am and 1.00pm on Monday 31 December
2007 and Tuesday 1 January 2008. Full details can be found at:
It has been announced that Michael will be extending his run in Hairspray until October 2008.
Details on Michael's final date or any further holidays during the extended run will follow.
Added 7 December 2007
ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
The cast of Hairspray performed their dazzling "You Can't Stop The Beat", at this year's Royal Variety Performance.
The programme will be broadcast this Sunday, 9 December on ITV at 8pm.
Added 27 November 2007
HAIRSPRAY WINS!!!
Congratulations go to the cast and crew of Hairspray as they win the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical
at the London Evening Standard Awards, which took place at The Savoy Hotel in London today.
Added 7 October 2007 SWING ON A STAR - ALMEIDA THEATRE,
ISLINGTON, LONDON N1
It has just been confirmed (subject to availability) that Michael will be performing in a Charity Cabaret
Night at the Almeida Theatre on Sunday 11 November 2007.
You can download a copy of the flyer at http://www.mbfc.co.uk/ticketbookingform.pdf which gives you all the information although we have been told that when booking they won't be able
to tell you your exact seat numbers. You will be issued with a card and will need to pick your tickets up from the box
office on the night. You can book either by filling in the form and posting it to them or by telephoning them on 0207
485 0900.
If you want to read more about the charity their website can be found at:
Michaels new DVD, recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo during the 2007 concert tour, is released by Universal
on 19 November 2007
Added 1 October 2007
BACK TO BACHARACH - RELEASED 22 OCTOBER 2007 (Universal Music TV 1748686)
MICHAEL BALL'S beautiful new cd, Michael Ball - Back To Bacharach, is an impressive choice of classic tunes
from the legendary composer's outstanding canon of work. Back To Bacharach reflects Michael's personal favourites and
catapults him into a new musical direction.
"I've recorded a few Bacharach songs over the years and performed some in concert and always
felt they suited me," says Michael. "I love the stories, and the lyrics (many by Hal David)
have always struck a chord with me, especially on the more serious numbers. Bacharach has such a brilliant ear for melody
and his music has a completely timeless feel to it; I thought it would be great to do a whole album of his music and to record
with a full orchestra and big band which is something I hadn't done before. I thought it was also time I made a sort
of 'late night album with sophisticated arrangements - and he's definitely the king of all that!"
Classic tracks include Make It Easy On Yourself which was a No. 1 hit for the Walker Brothers in 1965;
You'll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart a huge hit for Dionne in 1964; (They Long To Be) Close To You immortalised
by The Carpenters; Anyone Who Had A Heart chart toppers for both Cilla and Dionne; Alfie Bacharach/David's Oscar nominated
film theme from 1966 and the Oscar nominated The Look Of Love which was a huge hit for both Dionne and Dusty in 1967... "Dusty Springfield was one of my all time favourite singers," says Michael. "She
was the rarest of talents, she pioneered a completely new sound and paved the way for a host of other female performers.
Her 'Dusty In Memphis' is one of the greatest records ever made. We sang 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' together on
my TV show and it was the last public performance she made. It was absolutely thrilling singing with her - her version
of 'The Look Of Love' is so sexy...I hope I've done it justice."
More tracks include One Less Bell To Answer...
"Barbra Streisand recorded a medley of 'A House Is Not A Home' and 'One Less Bell To Answer'
for her 1971 album Barbra Joan Streisand which I thought was beautiful. I had already recorded 'A House...' on my second album
and really wanted to record One Less Bell. It's a perfect and surprising song; it doesn't go to places you would expect
it to - the rhythms, the key signatures and so on - and it has a sense of drama which of course is what I like and what I
do - I like to approach a song as an actor as well as a singer; as an actor I'm able to tell a story and this is one of his
best storytelling songs. I love it."
...and This House Is Empty Now with lyrics by Elvis Costello
"I recorded God Give Me Strength, another Bacharach/Costello collaboration; I just think the
combination of these two huge talents is fascinating; there's a pain to Elvis Costello's lyrics which I find really powerful,"
says Michael.
...and Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do) by Christopher Cross from the 1981 movie; This Guy's In
Love With You a hit for Herb Alpert in 1968; You'll Never Get To Heaven another Dionne classic from 1964; Reach Out For Me
and What the World Needs Now.
The result is a cool, sophisticated album - a departure for Michael whose multi-platinum award winning albums
have seen him move through rock, soul, movie themes, classic pop songs and sweet ballads. It provides the perfect showcase
for his unique voice and gives him the opportunity of exploring the songbook of Burt Bacharach, the 21st century's equivalent
of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and the great writers of the American songbook. These are songs that are extraordinarily
well crafted pop songs, classics of their time that have stood the test of time and that have retained their coolability,
their fashionable status and their musical credibility.
Added 22 September 2007
ALBUM/DVD/TV APPEARANCES
Michael's new album, tentatively titled "Back to Bacharach" is due for release on 22 October 2007.
As the title suggsts all of the tracks on the album were written by Burt Bacharach.
The DVD that was filmed during the 2007 tour is due for release on 19 November.
Michael will be appearing on the Jonathon Ross TV show on BBC1 on Friday 28 September 2007.
Added 23 July 2007
BARBARA COOK AND FRIENDS - London Coliseum Sunday 2 December 2007
This concert to celebrate Barbara Cook's 80th birthday will feature many musical stars and Michael has been invited
to participate. He won't be able to confirm whether he will be taking part or not until much closer to the date as he
will be involved with Hairspray at that time.
Our advice is not to purchase tickets thinking that Michael will be there as you are likely
to be disappointed, but if it's a concert you feel you would like to go to then we are providing the details below, together
with a link for a Dress Circle offer:
Tickets can be obtained from the London Coliseum on 0870 145 0200
Front Stalls - £100
Front Dress Circle and Stalls Centre Rows H,J,K & L - £150 including tickets to the after show party.
Rear Dress Circle - £80
Upper Circle - £65
Balcony - £18-£30
The link below takes you to a Dress Circle theatre evening which is priced at £110 including tickets to
the after show party.
We are delighted and very excited to announce that Michael will be starring at Edna Turnblad in the forthcoming musical
“Hairspray”. The show opens in London’s West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Tuesday 30 October
2007 with previews from Thursday 11 October. Tickets, with a top price of £60, are on sale and can be obtained from:
SYNOPSIS In Hairspray it's 1962 - the
'50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has
only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed
from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning
princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do’? Only
in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!
Michael will be performing at 8 shows a week (barring unforeseen circumstances) and his contract runs for 6 months from
the first preview on 11 October. He will be taking leave between 22 December and 5 January.
Michael will be guest presenting ITV1's "This Morning" on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 June 2007.
Added 14 MAY 2007
THE EMBANKMENT PETERBOROUGH - 1 SEPTEMBER 2007
Michael, along with special guests, will be performing songs from the West End shows at The Embankment, Peterborough
on Saturday 1st September 2007
Ticket Prices - Adult tickets booked before the 15th June are offered at £24.00. - Adult tickets booked on 15th
June onwards are £28.00. - Child tickets (5-16) £12.00 - Under 5's free of charge
Added 26 April 2007 BBC
PROMS – ROYAL ALBERT HALL, MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007
Michael is to appear at one of the BBC Proms concerts this year. Here is the booking
information:
Advance Booking By post and online – opens Monday 14 May
Use
the Advance Booking Form in the Proms Guide (available in bookshops from April 27) or visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms
To take advantage of the Advance Booking period – and enjoy your best chance of securing the seats you
want – you must use the official Advance Booking Form in the BBC Proms Guide or the Online Ticket Request system on
the Proms website. All postal and online bookings received before Monday 14 May will be treated as if they had arrived on
that date and Express Bookings will then be handled first (see Proms Guide or website for details). Please note that bookings
will not be accepted by fax.
Postal address: BBC Proms, Box Office, Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 2AP Online booking: www.bbc.co.uk/proms
General Booking: In person, by phone or online – opens Monday 11 June
The Royal Albert Hall Box Office is located at Door 12 and is open 9.00am–9.00pm daily. Note that no booking
fee applies to tickets bought in person at the Hall.
Telephone: 020 7589 8212
PROMMING ON THE DAY
– Don’t book, just turn upUp to 1,400 standing places are available for each concert at the Royal Albert Hall, roughly 900
in the Arena and 500 in the Gallery. You are not able to pre-book these tickets and therefore all spaces are unreserved.
Tickets priced at just £5 each go on sale 30 minutes before doors open and it's strictly one ticket per person, payable
in cash only. WHEELCHAIR SPACES Wheelchair
access is available at the RAH but we advise advance booking (from 14 May) in all seated areas to ensure getting the desired
space. There are up to 14 spaces bookable in the stalls and 6 in the front circle – prices for these will be published
in the Guide and online. These are bookable using the Proms Guide booking form or online. In addition, four wheelchair spaces
are available in the Gallery (at the top) for Promming - these cannot be prebooked.
If you need any further information on facilities for disabled concert-goers (including car parking) you can
call the Access Information Line on 020 7838 3110. Dedicated staff are available daily from 9am to 9pm on this number. The
Access leaflet is also available from the Hall's website at www.royalalberthall.com.
Added 19 April 2007
NATIONAL LOTTERY
Michael will be pushing the buttons on the National Lottery draw on BBC1 on Saturdays 21 and 28 April, and 5 and 12 May.
2 APRIL 2007
REPTON SCHOOL
As part of the Repton School Summer Picnic Series, Michael will be performing at an outdoor concert at Repton School,
Repton, Derby DE65 6FH, on Sunday 8 July 2007.
Michael will be performing with Bryn Terfel and other guests including Ruthie Henshall at the Faenol Festival on
Sunday 26 August 2007.This festival takes place in the magnificent
setting of the Faenol Estate, Near Bangor in North Wales.
Tickets,
priced at £38.50 for reserved seating or £28 for the grass area, can be booked by telephone on 01492 872000 - more details can be found on the official website at http://www.brynfest.com
31 MARCH 2007
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?
Michael will be appearing with Elaine Paige on a celebrity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on ITV1 - due for
broadcast in summer 2007 - date to be confirmed.
31 MARCH 2007
BALL OVER BROADWAY
The new series of Ball Over Broadway commences on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday 3 April 2007 at 9.30 pm.
MARCH/APRIL 2007
Michael is currently touring the UK - Click here to find out where he is performing - you can read reviews of the concerts in our Tour 2007 Forum.
16 JANUARY 2007
MICHAEL SINGS WITH LESLEY GARRET ON NEW ALBUM - WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
Michael sings one duet with Lesley on her new album due for release on 5 February, it is now available for pre-order
from Amazon:
26 DECEMBER 2006
SOAPSTAR SUPERSTAR
Michael will be appearing as a judge on the ITV1 programme "Soapstar Superstar". The new series commences on 5
January 2007.
26 DECEMBER 2006
NATIONAL LOTTERY
Michael will be "pushing the buttons" on the National Lottery show on BBC1 on 27 and 30 December.
12 NOVEMBER 2006
JOHNNIE WALKER SHOW
Michael will be hosting the Johnnie Walker show on BBC Radio 2 for the next seven weeks. You can find out more
details and listen at:
SING ON STAGE WITH MICHAEL BALL - CHILDREN IN NEED
One of BBC Radio 2's auctions for this year's Children in Need is the chance to sing on stage with Michael. Full
details can be found at the BBC website:
One Voice (Barry Manilow, 1979) Barry Manilow’s such a great writer; he absolutely gets his
melodies and lyrics to move an audience and as such has inspired a lifelong devoted following. I completely agree with
this too – that music brings people together – and when I was thinking of a concept and title for this album,
this song sprang out at me. I loved the idea of tracking my voice and making a choir out of it – the song has
huge range which starts off a capella before the full orchestra sweeps in. It’s about metaphorical harmony, about
how we all need to live in harmony and that’s something else I totally believe in.
Hero (Mariah Carey 1993) After the July 7 bombs in London last year I was watching footage of all
the people who’d put their lives at risk, real people who got stuck straight in trying to help in any way they could;
a friend of mine was on the Kings Cross train, she took some footage on her mobile which was used on a news programme and
over it they played this beautiful song by Mariah Carey. Listening to the lyrics it just struck me as a life affirming,
powerful song – simple but meaningful.
The Living Years (Mike and the Mechanics 1988) This has always been a favourite song of mine –
it was written by BA Robertson and Mike Rutherford and sung by the fantastic Paul Carrack. It’s a song that everyone
can relate to – we’ve all been in conflict with our parents, we’ve all made mistakes, argued, slammed the
door and then regretted it afterwards. And although there will always be a generational gulf, once they’re gone
it’s too late to try and build bridges. It’s brilliantly written and expresses sadness as well as hope.
Where Do I Begin (Andy Williams 1970) This song is just beautiful from an equally beautiful film
that I love and makes me cry every time. It’s such a romantic song – just imagine someone singing it about
you.
Since You’ve Been Gone (Rainbow 1979) I always look for songs that make people say, ‘no
way has he covered that!’. This is outstanding, theatrical, bombastic rock; I loved the idea of doing it by keeping
the heavy rock element but bringing in a string section so that there’s a tongue-in-cheek opening with the string section
doing a sort of Bach opening before it goes into all-out rock mode. I want everyone to join in the chorus… and
I do like surprising people and hopefully getting away with it!
I Don’t Wanna Talk About It (Rod Stewart, 1975) Rod Stewart did this on his ‘Atlantic
Crossing’ album and then it was done by Everything But the Girl in 1988; it’s a classic pop song and I wanted
to make it small and intimate and heartfelt.
I Don’t’ Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith 1998) I love the old power ballads and the thought
of covering an Aerosmith song. This is very much my kind of song – written by Diane Warren it’s big, powerful
and shoots straight from the heart. Love it.
If You’re Not The One (Daniel Bedingfield 2002) I really think this is a classic of its generation
– it’s one of the best written pop songs I’ve ever heard, brilliantly crafted and arranged. I thought
Daniel Bedingfield’s original performance of it was wonderful and I couldn’t resist trying it with my voice.
His voice is very high and very different from mine – in recording it for this album I used my falsetto which I don’t
do very often.
Lyin’ Eyes (The Eagles 1975) I love the Eagles; I recorded ‘Desperado’ on my last
album (‘Music’). This was Tim Rice’s idea – I ran into him just after we’d both bought tickets
to the Eagles show at Twickenham and mentioned that I was thinking of doing another Eagles song – he said ‘you’ve
got to do Lyin’ Eyes, it’s a great story about heading for the cheatin’ side of town!’ so I did…
they played it at the gig, which was absolutely amazing, so here it is.
Everybody Hurts (REM 1992) This is the one I was most nervous about recording because how do you
do an REM song and do something different. We all hit times in our lives when we’re very low and we think we’re
the only ones feeling pain and we just can’t go on. Then we realise that everyone feels like that at some stage
and that we can help each other. I’ve known people I love who’ve been in that place and I’ve tried
to help them and to be honest, I’ve been there myself. I just wanted to do my version of it because it means so
much to me.
Home (Michael Buble 2005) I was in the US for so long last year and I was lonely – it’s
so well written for someone who does this job – we’re absolutely blessed, travelling, meeting people, seeing the
world – but there are times when you just want to be at home. When you’re away for a long time you get lonely,
you feel insecure, you don’t belong and you don’t feel rooted – you start to feel it’s all going on
at home and you can’t be part of it. But it makes the going home so much better! And I hate the telephone;
I’d rather see people in person and can’t bear emails – they’re useful but they have no emotion.
It’s the nuances in a conversation that are more important that the words themselves.
GMTV MICHAEL BALL WEBCAST
Following Michael’s appearance on GMTV on Monday 30 October, he will be taking part in a webcast at the GMTV website
– www.gm.tv. The webcast will take place at 9.30 am and the full interview should be online later that day. Please check
the GMTV website for further details.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006
Various TV/Radio Promotional Appearances (all dates/times subject to change)
Michael will be hosting the Johnnie Walker Show on Radio 2 from Sunday, November 12 until the end of the year.
3 OCTOBER 2006
PETULA CLARK CONCERT
Michael will be guesting at a Petula Clark concert at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane on November 26 2006. Also joining
Petula will be Tony Hatch and she will be accompanied by the sixty piece BBC concert orchestra. The concert will be recorded
for broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on December 15 2006.
Tickets, priced between £15 and £40, are available from See Tickets on 0870 890 1109 or online at www.seetickets.com.
The Anthony Newley tribute show, recorded last night at Hackney Empire, will be broadcast as a special "Friday Night
Is Music Night" on BBC Radio 2 on Friday 29 September 2006.
21 AUGUST 2006
ONE VOICE
Michael’s new album, One Voice, will be released on 30 October and like the hugely successful Music will feature
more of Michael’s favourite songs from the last couple of decades revealing some interesting choices.
1 AUGUST 2006
KISMET
Michael will be appearing with the English National Opera www.eno.org/index.php in Kismet, next year at the Coliseum in London. He will be playing the role of Hajj, the poet, the same role made famous by
Howard Keel in the 1955 Hollywood musical of the same name. The performance schedule is as follows:
KISMET LONDON COLISEUM 2007
MONDAY JUNE 25 19:30 TUESDAY JUNE 26 WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 PRESS NIGHT THURSDAY
JUNE 28 FRIDAY JUNE 29 SATURDAY JUNE 30 14:30 & 19:30
TUESDAY JULY 3 WEDNESDAY JULY 4 THURSDAY JULY
5 FRIDAY JULY 6 SATURDAY JULY 7 14:30 & 19:30
TUESDAY JULY 10 WEDNESDAY JULY 11 THURSDAY JULY 12 FRIDAY
JULY 13 SATURDAY JULY 14 14:30 & 19:30
All performance times are 19:30 unless otherwise indicated.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 4 August at 10.00 am.
In association with BBC Radio 3, the Menier Chocolate Factory hosts a short season of musical theatre divas live on stage
in conversation with Edward Seckerson. 80 minutes of reminiscence, insider gossip and great music in London’s most stimulating
musical theatre venue. Each interview will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s “Stage & Screen”
programme.
Stage & Screen is a weekly hour devoted to the rich heritage of music theatre and film music. It sets the agenda
with interviews of songwriters, composers, orchestrators, musicians, actors, choreographers and producers, together with a
round-up of the latest news, and cast and soundtrack recordings.
Other artists appearing in this series (on different dates to Michael) are Patricia Routledge CBE and Ruthie Henshall.
We will advise broadcast date as soon as advised by the BBC.
7 JULY 2006
BBC PROMS IN THE PARK - SWANSEA
Michael will be taking part in this year’s BBC Proms in the Park in Singleton Park, Swansea. Tickets are available
from the BBC Call NOW Line on 08700 13 1812 and in person or by phone from the Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea (01792
475715)
£7.50 in advance £10 on the night 12 and unders go free when accompanied by an adult.
7 JULY 2006
DYFFRYN GARDENS - 29 JULY 2006
Laura Michelle Kelly, Jon Owen Jones, Caroline Sheen and Celia Graham have been added to the line-up at the Princes
Trust concert at Dyffryn Gardens.
21 June 2006
BBC RADIO WALES - ALED JONES
Hear Michael on BBC Radio Wales when he is interviewed by Aled Jones at 10.00 am on Sunday 25 June - Listen Here
30 May 2006
CONCERT AT CRATHES CASTLE, SCOTLAND - 1 JULY 2006
Michael will be performing live at Crathes Castle on Saturday 1st July on the front lawn of this
beautiful 16th century property which is 15 miles west of Aberdeen on Royal Deeside.
Visitors are able to bring their
own picnic chairs and there is also full disabled access including parking,toilets and disabled viewing platform.
Tickets
are available through www.liveonthelawn.co.uk or by calling Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 620011.
19 MAY 2006
CONCERT AT DYFFRYN GARDENS - 29 JULY 2006
We are pleased to give you information of a concert which is taking place as part of the 30th Anniversary Prince’s
Trust Celebrations. Details as below:
Date: Saturday 29 July 2006 Venue: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan,
CF5 6SU 7.30pm start - gates open 6pm
This is a full Michael Ball concert - picnic style outdoor event.
Tickets
are priced at £25.50 plus booking fee and are on sale 9am Friday 19 May.
Michael is a guest vocalist on Julian Lloyd Webber's new album, Unexpected Songs, which is due for release internationally
in June and the UK at the beginning of July. Michael will be singing the title track - "Unexpected Song".
MICHAEL BALL AND ELAINE PAIGE IN CONCERT - 15th JULY 2006
Michael Ball and Elaine Paige will perform at The Rec in Bath as part of the Summer Nights Open Air Concert Series on
July 15; other performers in the series include Bryan Adams, Status Quo, Westlife and Pavarotti. Performing songs both alone
and together Michael Ball and Elaine Paige offer a truly spectacular musical experience.
Michael will be participating in a special gala tribute to the Rocky Horror Show at the Royal Court Theatre.
Full details can be found at the Royal Court Theatre Website.
25 APRIL 2006
CHRIS EVANS SHOW
Michael will be doing a five minute telephone interview with Chris Evans tomorrow (26 April) at 5.30pm. You can listen
live at:
Michael will be appearing at the Southport Summer Classics - Music in the Park on Friday 28 July 2006. Click Here for Full Details
26 MARCH 2006
CONCERT AT OAKLEY HALL, BASINGSTOKE
Michael
will be performing at an open-air concert in the grounds of Oakley Hall, Basingstoke on Thursday 20 July 2006.
General
Admission Tickets - £30 - bring a rug or chair and picnic
Gold Circle
Tickets - £35 - reserved seating at the front of the arena
Hospitality
Packages:
£85 to include
the following:
Reserved tables within the marquee
facility
Pimms Reception on arrival
3 course buffet dinner
Access to the Gold Circle VIP enclosure
with reserved seating to view the concert
Reserved car parking
Cash bar during and after dinner
Official souvenir programme
Michael will come and say "Hello"
Hospitality in Oakley Hall from £150
per person
Dining on one of Oakley Hall's exclusive
private function suites
Champagne and Canape Reception
3 course dinner with wines
Complimentary bar throughout the evening
Access to the Gold Circle VIP enclosure
with reserved seating to view the concert
Official souvenir progamme
"Meet the Artists" post concert
VIP car parking facility
Event hostesses to ensure the smooth
running of the evening
Guest wallet to include the evenings
itinerary and information
Booking information as follows:
Telephone 01753 626909 for further details
of hospitality packages.
For General and Gold Circle tickets
Book online at www.oakleyhallmusic.com - following the Book Online link, or by telephone on Ticket Hotline 0870 906 3857.
6 FEBRUARY 2006
WOMAN IN WHITE - UPDATE
Michael has been advised that he must give his voice a prolonged rest. There is no doubt that he will soon be restored
to complete health but the price of this would seem to be that he will not be able to return to the show before it closes
on 19 February.
We know you will all join us in wishing Michael a speedy recovery - there are plenty of good times ahead.
9 JANUARY 2006
INFOLINE
We are pleased to report that the fan club Infoline is now in full working order.
5 JANUARY 2006
INFOLINE
Firstly, may we wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. This is a message for fan club members. Unfortunately
our fan club Infoline numbers are currently out of order due to problems beyond our control. We are working with the
suppliers of this service to resolve the situation and can only apologise for the inconvenience. If you have friends
who are fan club members and who don't have internet access we'd be grateful if you could pass this message on to them.
The website will be updated when the problem has been resolved.
5 DECEMBER 2005
SEASONS OF LOVE CD
Thanks to our firends at Discount Music Connection, we can now give you the track listing for the new compilation CD
"Seasons of Love" which we understand is due for release on 2 January 2006. If you require any more information Dee and Paul
will be happy to give it to you Discount Music Connection
Disk 1 · 1.Seasons Of Love · 2.Have I Told You Lately · 3.No Matter What · 4.A Song For You · 5.Loving
You · 6.All I Ask Of You · 7.The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face · 8.Show Me · 9.Everybody's Talkin' ·
10.If Tomorrow Never Comes · 11.My Heart Will Go On · 12.I Don't Want A Lover · 13.Because You Loved Me ·
14.Cry Me A River · 15.Stormy Weather · 16.The Way We Were · 17.You Don't Have To Say You Love Me · 18.The
Wind Beneath My Wings
Disk 2 · 1.Love Changes Everything · 2.Always On My Mind · 3.Can You Feel The Love
Tonight? · 4.A House Is Not A Home · 5.How Deep Is Your Love · 6.I Believe I Can Fly · 7.Losing My Mind ·
8.Against All Odds · 9.Love On The Rocks · 10.Memory · 11.Someone To Watch Over Me · 12.Tell Me On A Sunday
· 13.Never Coming Back · 14.Tell Me There's A Heaven · 15.If I Can Dream · 16.Something's Coming · 17.You
Made Me Love You · 18.We Have All The Time In The World
29 NOVEMBER 2005
ROC TO CEASE FUNDRAISING
The Trustees of one of Michael's charities, ROC, have decided to discontinue fundraising from the end of the year.
Their office will no longer be functioning after Christmas and they have asked that we pass this information on to you as
they will not require your donations in lieu of Christmas presents for Michael. Here is a message from John McGowan,
Chairman of ROC:
After fourteen years of hard work, total commitment and results that went beyond our wildest expectations,
on December 31st 2005, ROC will be closing down.
When we started all those years ago, medical research teams in desperate need of funding to find a way to beat
this 'silent killer', often abandoned their projects because their chances of attracting sufficient funding was almost zero.
Equally, it was quite a shock to discover how little the general public knew about the disease which devastates the lives
of so many women and their families.
ROC can proudly claim to have reversed a truly significant portion of those twin dilemmas, but only because
you all rallied and gave us one hundred per cent support in our work. Not knowing what to expect to help raise funds, we reached
out to hundreds of people across the country, people like you who had the same sense of commitment, people who had lost very
loved women to this dreadful disease - women like Angela McGowan and Pamela Cullen who were the inspiration for establishing
ROC - and wanted to make sense of such a terrible loss. Together we achieved something memorable.
Initially we raised money to ensure that the ovarian cancer screening unit at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in
London, on the point of closure when we came along, were able to stay open and subsequently with our support attracted an
unprecedented donation of £22 million from the Medical Research Council to allow them to continue their work. Currently we
have just completed a two year commitment to fund the vitally important research work of Dr. Ian Hampson at St.Mary's Hospital
in Manchester.
Equally importantly, in an intensive media campaign, talking to women's groups across the country and at endless
fundraising events so many of you organised, we raised public awareness of a then little discussed disease.
We now feel it is time to let others take the lead in the fight against ovarian cancer, proud to have been
at the forefront for so many years and proud to have been part of ROC.
Any donations received after the 31st December 2005 will continue to be forwarded to Dr. Ian Hampson's very
worthwhile project at St. Mary's Hospital in Manchester.
Our very grateful thanks to all of you and a special, most sincere thanks to our patron, Michael Ball, who
from day one gave one hundred per cent support to our work, and raised thousands of pounds on ROC's behalf.
We hope, like us, you will continue to support other groups in their work to defeat ovarian cancer and that
ROC will always be remembered as an innovative, independent and determined charity, who proved that with the right army behind
them, anyone can make a difference. And we are proud to say with your help, we did.
With warmest good wishes on behalf of everyone at ROC, and again our thanks.
John McGowan, Chairman
Michael continues to support The Royal Theatrical Fund.
25 NOVEMBER 2005
WOMAN IN WHITE
Michael has opened to great acclaim in The Woman In White on Broadway in New York. The opening night was a grand
affair and fan club members will be able to read more about it in the next issue of On The Ball which is due out in December.
You can now order the 2006 calendar and other items at the new Michael Ball Merchandise website www.michaelballmerchandise.com.
13 NOVEMBER 2005
US TV APPEARANCE
Michael and Maria Friedman will be appearing on A&E Network's Breakfast with the Arts on Sunday 20 November.
News about American TV appearances is sometimes slow to filter through so if anyone hears about any please let us know
so we can check and confirm them here.
Please note - this appearance has now been rescheduled for 11 December 2005
10 NOVEMBER 2005
BALL OVER BROADWAY
Michael's special edition of Ball Over Broadway to mark the arrival of the Country Music Awards in New York is being
aired on BBC Radio 2 tomorrow (11 November) at 7.00 pm.
Well, we can heave a big sigh of relief that all went well with the launch of the new website. We know some of
you will have queries regarding our new membership system but don't worry we'll explain it all as we go along.
We know some of you are still having difficulties viewing the Forum. We are trying to sort this out with Invision
(the makers of the program) and we'll keep you informed of progress. The problem does seem to lie with the kind of browser
you use.
1 NOVEMBER 2005
NEW MICHAEL BALL FAN CLUB WEBSITE LAUNCHED
We are delighted to launch our new website today. We hope there won't be too many teething problems but all new
babies need attention so please bear with us if there are any problems.
We've tried to make the new site easy to navigate and have stuck to a straightforward format which hopefully you will
all find easy to use. It was very tempting to go for something flashy but we believe the most important thing is
to have a website that doesn't give you a headache trying to navigate it!
As with all websites, it's a work in progress and we will continue to add our archived material to the site in the coming
weeks.
This seemed an appropriate way to commemorate the fact that the Michael Ball Fan Club is celebrating 10 years of having
a presence on the world wide web - we wish we still had some screenshots of the first 3 page website to show
you, but alas they have been long lost (probably just as well!).
In conjunction with the new website we have the opportunity to restructure the fan club membership system. All
is explained here and don't worry if your renewal is not due yet you will be given the option to choose your preference now if you so
wish.
As you can imagine this will mean a lot of extra work over the coming few weeks so please bear with us while the transition
is taking place.
