Theatregoer Award

Michael ignored me and had a real ball

~ Birmingham Post, 27/07/1999 by Anthony Barnes ~

Stage star Michael Ball's father was flushed with pride and embarrassment yesterday as he picked up an award for his son - and admitted he tried to persuade him to sell houses as a career.

The singer, who rose to fame in West End show Aspects of Love, was named most popular musical actor of the past 21 years by the Theatregoers' Club of Great Britain.

Picking up the prize on his behalf, Mr Tony Ball sheepishly said: "When leaving school, I'm the fellow who tried to persuade him to be an estate agent.

"Isn't it good that our children don't always take our advice? This will be treasured by Michael and greatly appreciated."

Ball, whose acclaimed stage performances have included Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera, was unable to attend the event because of a performance in Glamis, near Forfar, Scotland.