The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

Reviews

Monkey Mind

I thought Jack would be my favourite, but there was a gorgeous surprise. The Empire is an accomplished debut. There is also a bit of mystery and some romance, it really does have a bit of everything as Michael Ball’s passion for storytelling and in particular, theatre, shines through. Jack found himself searching for Grace Hawkins, assistant to the manager, and the person who seemed to keep everything ticking over.

Louise Bookmarks and Stages

He should do more audio books as he is excellent at doing them. He hadn’t been sure what to do with his life since returning from the horrors of the war and his time in France, but now at least he had an objective. However, I soon became caught up in the story, following the fortunes of the cast, the theatre and the shows.

Mrsbookburnee

(Get it? There are also Jack Treadwell and Grace. Jack has seeked out a new life, treading the boards; a long way from the trenches he had previously known so well in World War 1.

Melanie’s reads

The Lassiter family don’t seem to take much interest and a rival owner of several theatres and music halls, Joe Allerdyce, is using underhand tactics to try and acquire the Empire. I’ll admit - to start I was a little overwhelmed by the number of cast in this … but with the help of the cast list (something more books could do with) that quickly passed and I was hooked. A must read for anyone who enjoys the theatre. Ballys love and intimate knowledge of theatre shines through.

Cathy

Oh, my, the trepidation I felt starting this book. Michael Ball is, so I hear, is reviving Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd Webber and his work with Alfie Boe continues, both equally exciting for music and theatre lovers. Jack was a likeable protagonist and like the author himself, seemed to be an all round nice guy. The cast of characters is big (the cast list at the front helps get your eye in) and each has a story to feed into The Empire Theatre that Lillian Lassiter is owner of.

Dani

The passion Michael Ball has for the theatre shines from the pages and he can certainly Give ’em the old razzle dazzle. The book was magnificent. A fantastic debut, the author really set the scene and I really felt I was amongst the workers at The Empire. This one character is devious and seemingly ruthless, but it’s … well, I’m not saying anymore.