Synopsis
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 keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former show girl, 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 theatre 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!
Publisher information
- Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd
- ISBN: 9781804180549
- Number of pages: 416
- Dimensions: 241 x 165 x 36 mm
- Weight: 630g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
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A Dazzling Debut
The Empire by Michael Ball is a marvellous debut historical novel from the actor and singer who proves he is just as talented as an author.
The Empire give... READ MORE
Intrigue and humour, set in the roaring 20s
Having been a fan of Michael Ball for years, I was eager to read this book especially as the story is centred in the theatre, a subject that he knows well.... READ MORE
A Wonderful Read
I am so pleased that I have been given the chance to read Michael Ball's debut book The Empire It is a wonderful story set in 1922 theatreland ,the Empire... READ MORE
Written with an undeniable warmth
As someone I always think of as one of those old school entertainers, someone who can do it all; sing, dance and act, it came as no surprise when I learnt ... READ MORE
A Triumph!
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 celeb... READ MORE
An enjoyable cosy story for theatre lovers
This was quite an easy going story, with a bit of mystery and intrigue, a bit of romance, but more than anything this book is a love letter to the theatre,... READ MORE
Very good debut novel
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 t... READ MORE
Great fun
Musical theatre in the twenties with some intrigue, lots of romance and lots of details of putting on the ritz. This is such a pleasant experience and Jack... READ MORE
An absolutely smashing debut. If I could give a standing ovation to a novel, I would do so for this one!
Michael Ball is a legendary British musical theatre performer. Well-known for originating the role of Marius in the London production of Les Miserables, pl... READ MORE
The Empire
We start this book with a few pages of "who's who" - which I am not sure is really helpful as:
Firstly it scared me as I feared that I would be overwhelmed... READ MORE
Fun read
The Empire by Michael Ball
If you fancy a light-hearted easy reading story then this is it.
It tells a tale set in and around the Empire Theatre and is... READ MORE
A cracking debut novel
This is a cracking debut novel from Michael Ball..... and yes, it IS, THE Michael Ball! I was so surprised to see this pop up as an option for me to previe... READ MORE
Fabulous debut novel
This book is a real page turner from page one. The characters are so real, so believable, I found myself drawn into the world of the theatre as Jack and Gr... READ MORE
Charming slice of theatre life!
Charming insight into our English heritage theatre, with all the wonderful quirks and foibles of the characters within.
The story is like a play written in... READ MORE
Enjoyable read
After a slow start and a bit of confusion as to who was who the book gradually gained pace and became an enjoyable read. It was easy to imagine the theatr... READ MORE
Very Good
If you enjoy theatrical mysteries you will be drawn to this novel. It’s the 1920s, and men are returning from the great war including Jack Treadwell who ap... READ MORE
Brilliant
I have to admit to being a massive fan of Michael Ball and love seeing him perform live however I did have some reservations when he announced he had writt... READ MORE
A light historical novel of life in a theatre set in 1922
This is a fantastic read. Full of drama, excitement and suspense, this is an absorbing book of theatrical life set in a town theatre in the 1920s. While th... READ MORE
An escapist, enjoyable read
This is a cracking debut novel from Michael Ball..... and yes, it IS, THE Michael Ball! I was so surprised to see this pop up as an option for me to previe... READ MORE
A disappointment
I know I will be in the minority but I didn't enjoy "The Empire" by Michael Ball very much. I'm a big fan of Mr Ball, having followed his theatre and musi... READ MORE
Drama in the Roaring Twenties
A delightful story revolving around a theatre, it’s owners, employees (all characters), some villains and sundry others. Includes a sweet love story betwee... READ MORE
Will The Empire theatre go dark?
It’s the 1920s. Lady Lassiter, grieving for her husband, goes to see her oldest friend Evie, an actress, in New York. Together with a motley assortment of ... READ MORE
A superb debut novel
I admit that I have been a fan of Michael and his singing for a few years now. When I heard that Michael was due to release a book, I had mixed feelings a... READ MORE