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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 20, 2019 22:30:56 GMT
I searched for an existing thread on Michael, but couldn’t find one, so thought that I would start this. I have made no secret on this board that I am a huge fan of his, and have been for years. He was perhaps my first introduction to musicals through his albums etc, and since “discovering” him, I have followed his career, going to see most of his concerts, as well as the shows that he has appeared in. His concert at Patchings Art Centre about 10 years ago, remains probably the best concert I have ever had the privilege of attending.
I have just got back from seeing the first night of his COMING HOME TO YOU tour in Nottingham, and just had to post my thoughts. The man really is a class act! He knocked song out of song out of the park with that voice of his, both new songs (from the new album obviously), and old songs (favourites from previous concerts, and the shows that he has been in, such as LES MIS, SWEENEY TODD, HAIRSPRAY, CHESS etc). Particular favourites were Anthem from CHESS (taking me back to the Coliseum last year), EVERMORE from the new Beauty and the Beast film (apparently he nearly played the Beast in the stage production, presumably in its original London run) and STARS from LES MIS, giving a preview of his Javert later in the year. I had goosebumps during these, and was welling up with tears. Michael is often seen as cheesy (there is no denying that he can be), but he can also act through a song, giving weight to something that could be seen as quite trivial, which is perhaps another reason he is such a captivating performer. Tonight, he really acted the material that he was delivering, as well as singing it.
Needless to say the audience loved it. Miles ahead in terms of quality when compared to his partner in crime, Alfie Boe at the same venue a few weeks earlier. Alfie was singing totally the wrong stuff for his voice, and seemed more concerned with being a “rocker”. Don’t get me wrong, Alfie can be amazing when singing the right rep, but this was all wrong for my taste. Michael on the other hand knows how to deliver a show, how to deliver a song, knows what suits his voice, and knows what his audience wants.
Go and see the show if you can. I loved it!
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Post by alece10 on Apr 21, 2019 8:52:08 GMT
I searched for an existing thread on Michael, but couldn’t find one, so thought that I would start this. I have made no secret on this board that I am a huge fan of his, and have been for years. He was perhaps my first introduction to musicals through his albums etc, and since “discovering” him, I have followed his career, going to see most of his concerts, as well as the shows that he has appeared in. His concert at Patchings Art Centre about 10 years ago, remains probably the best concert I have ever had the privilege of attending. I have just got back from seeing the first night of his COMING HOME TO YOU tour in Nottingham, and just had to post my thoughts. The man really is a class act! He knocked song out of song out of the park with that voice of his, both new songs (from the new album obviously), and old songs (favourites from previous concerts, and the shows that he has been in, such as LES MIS, SWEENEY TODD, HAIRSPRAY, CHESS etc). Particular favourites were Anthem from CHESS (taking me back to the Coliseum last year), EVERMORE from the new Beauty and the Beast film (apparently he nearly played the Beast in the stage production, presumably in its original London run) and STARS from LES MIS, giving a preview of his Javert later in the year. I had goosebumps during these, and was welling up with tears. Michael is often seen as cheesy (there is no denying that he can be), but he can also act through a song, giving weight to something that could be seen as quite trivial, which is perhaps another reason he is such a captivating performer. Tonight, he really acted the material that he was delivering, as well as singing it. Needless to say the audience loved it. Miles ahead in terms of quality when compared to his partner in crime, Alfie Boe at the same venue a few weeks earlier. Alfie was singing totally the wrong stuff for his voice, and seemed more concerned with being a “rocker”. Don’t get me wrong, Alfie can be amazing when singing the right rep, but this was all wrong for my taste. Michael on the other hand knows how to deliver a show, how to deliver a song, knows what suits his voice, and knows what his audience wants. Go and see the show if you can. I loved it! Was Daniel Boys performing with him?
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Post by ruby on Apr 21, 2019 10:36:01 GMT
Pleased to hear the good report - I've been a fan of his for almost 30 years and I can't wait to see him in Bristol next Sat.
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Post by peggysue on Apr 21, 2019 11:04:13 GMT
Another fan here. Have been following his career since his first hit single “Love Changes Everything “. He is a great all round entertainer and very under rated at times
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 21, 2019 11:14:41 GMT
Yes, Daniel was with him. He was one of the backing singers. They weren’t showcased as much as they could have been.
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Post by emicardiff on Apr 21, 2019 11:46:27 GMT
Love me some Michael's Balls as he's known in this house.
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Post by missthelma on Apr 23, 2019 17:48:10 GMT
I think Michael gets an unfair deal really. He gets lumped in with people like Daniel O'Donnell and Jane McDonald in the eyes of some but he has more talent than that almost cruise ship/bingo hall kind of appeal. I like his CD's and have been impressed with his acting the times I've seen him. BUT that TV special he did with Alfie Boe was unbearable and kind of explains why some think he is cheesey
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Post by alece10 on Apr 23, 2019 19:56:56 GMT
I remember seeing him at the proms. There was a right to do from the classical fraternaty about him performing but it was a great night and apparantly the fastest selling prom that year.
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Post by justfran on Apr 24, 2019 8:01:35 GMT
I saw Michael Ball on tour a few years ago, the first half of the show was songs from his pop albums and the second half was musical theatre, which I much preferred. He seems like a lovely person on his radio show too. Nothing wrong with being cheesy so I don’t know why people think it’s negative- what’s wrong with being a decent person and making people smile with the work that you do?
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Post by ruby on Apr 28, 2019 9:48:29 GMT
Still buzzing from last night!
He just gets better and better. I've seen quite a few of his concert tours, but this really was one of the best. His version of Anthem to close the first half, then the Les Mis medley in the second half were superb. I also love that he seems to love Mack and Mabel as much as I do. His "I Won't Send Roses" was lovely.
Mum and I now cannot wait for Les Mis in Sept (my mum previously having said she loves him but couldn't see him as Javert). After "Stars", she just said "wow wow wow!"
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Post by londonmzfitz on Apr 28, 2019 19:24:50 GMT
Going Tuesday to The Palladium on reading thread and having a peek ot available seats. I loved the Bally/Boe concerts, I've seen Michael on stage before but never a concert on his own. Glad you enjoyed it ruby.
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Post by xanady on Apr 28, 2019 20:43:03 GMT
The man is also a true gent at the stage door in my experience.Twice I saw this with Hairspray and Chess as he spent ages with his fans doing autographs,pics and chatting away and was very humorous and humble and seemed to be enjoying himself.
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Post by ruthieh on May 12, 2019 8:23:08 GMT
Saw him at oxford last night...fabulous! He gets better and better. I’d been to the Palladium a few weeks ago and thought his voice was struggling, but last night he was Chrystal clear!
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Post by ruthieh on Jun 23, 2019 11:33:09 GMT
Sublime evening last night at Hampton Court Palace. All boxes ticked; weather, magnificent venue, intimate courtyard, great singing and banter from Michael and Alfie!
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Post by xanady on Apr 24, 2020 17:09:48 GMT
Michael,Captain Tom Moore and the NHS Voices Of Care Choir are deservedly No.1 in the Official Singles Chart tonight with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel..all in a great cause...well done to all concerned!
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Post by theatreian on Nov 27, 2020 17:22:06 GMT
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Post by ruthieh on Jul 9, 2021 19:40:07 GMT
Enjoying seeing a different side to Michael tonight on the Wales documentary on channel 5
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Post by alece10 on Jul 10, 2021 10:55:35 GMT
Enjoying seeing a different side to Michael tonight on the Wales documentary on channel 5 I forgot about that. I'll check to see if its on catch up
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Post by theatreian on Apr 5, 2022 11:34:24 GMT
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 5, 2022 15:37:45 GMT
Is it really written by him? Or by a ghost writer?
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Post by anita on Apr 5, 2022 16:48:24 GMT
Supposedly by him. I love reading but I hate historical novels.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2022 17:21:33 GMT
I always think ghost writers of fiction books is ridiculous. I can understand someone using a professional writer to write their autobiography but that is done after extensive conversations and interactions between the people and hopefully the ghost/co-writer uses the wording that the person would use. I always preferred co-written books whereby a journalist/writer got a co-credit as they shape the other persons words and perhaps get a better flow and rhythm to a book.
I'd personally think Michael would want to do his own book and put his stamp on it. He may well use someone to flesh out the story but I'd really hope the idea, characters, plot would be all his work.
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Post by longinthetooth on Apr 5, 2022 20:07:30 GMT
Interestingly, in the article in The Stage he says, "I am thrilled to be working with the team at Zaffre and we are having so much fun. These novels are going to be a love letter to all the theatres and performers I've worked in and with around the world." This could imply ghost writers, or the editorial team, who knows?
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 5, 2022 20:14:45 GMT
Well, I’m excited! I can’t imagine that Michael would be interested if ghost writers were involved. I would have thought that he would want to do the whole thing himself.
The premise sounds interesting, though I too am not greatly into historical fiction.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2022 10:56:50 GMT
Michael certainly doesn't need to put his name to a novel that he had minimal input in creating but neither can I see him sat at a laptop for hours trying to create a 300 page novel unless it was something he'd always been working on and possibly got the time to finish it in lockdown.
Every manuscript is proof read and in cases like this they would likely be "polished/tightened". These sort of books if they are Michael's ideas then the publishers would be involved throughout and would have seen a synopsis of the story probably before they agreed deal. It's not like here is so much cash Michael go write a fiction work or we'll write something and you put your name to it. For a novice author I'd assume guidance is given as it is an investment and all parties want a successful outcome.
Michael has a solid fanbase ans autumn release date makes for ideal festive gift. The publishers no doubt look at Michael's record/ticket sales and think if we can tap a certain percentage of that we can have a decent seller. Also Michael has his radio work and One Show where no doubt the book will be mentioned.
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Post by TallPaul on Apr 8, 2022 8:03:45 GMT
I didn't see it, but I believe Mike was indeed on The One Show last night talking about his debut novel.
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Post by ruthieh on Apr 17, 2022 17:52:12 GMT
Very much enjoying the Easter Sunday concert….love him singing Anthem at the best of times!
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Post by peggysue on Apr 18, 2022 17:24:38 GMT
Very much enjoying the Easter Sunday concert….love him singing Anthem at the best of times! Loved the show as well. It’s a pity there are not more entertainment shows like this. I was inspired to watch the Les Mis film afterwards which I also thoroughly enjoyed .
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Post by alece10 on Apr 18, 2022 19:11:06 GMT
He always does a great version of Anthem. Did anyone also notice Daniel Boys as one of the backing singers.
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Post by TallPaul on Oct 2, 2022 13:38:03 GMT
I imagine most TB members are on the LW Theatres mailing list, but just in case, tickets for Michael Ball at the Cambridge Theatre on 17 October are now available at half price.
Michael Ball book launch
As the price of admission includes a copy of Mike's debut novel, it's almost a free night out. You don't have to put the heating on either, so it's a win win. 🙂
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