Set in the glitz and glamour of the fictional Empire Theatre, Michael Ball's mesmerising debut novel follows a young soldier freshly returned from the horrors of the Great War who rediscovers his will to live and dream in the tantalising world of vaudeville.
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: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781804180549
Number of pages: 416
Weight: 629 g
Dimensions: 240 x 162 x 36 mm
A wonderful read - Jeffrey Archer
Takes you to the magical world of theatre - Rosie Goodwin
A wonderful book. A love letter to the theatre - The Reverend Richard Coles
A golden debut - charming, funny and romantic - Cameron Mackintosh
A fantastic book. Brilliant - Don Black OBE
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.
Due mainly to interference from a devious competitor, The...
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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 gives a warm welcome to all who enter her pages. It is 1922, a new...
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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 is struggling but then along comes Jack and everything... More
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