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Online since 27 June 2000

Latest News Archive - Old

Interview The Independent posted:31/03/09

On the website of The Independent is an (downloadable) audio interview of Edward Seckerson in which Michael reveals who he has invited to join him on the tour: Rachel Wooding, Ben James-Ellis, Adrian Hansell, Laure Michelle Kelley, John Owen-Jones and Louise Marshall (no contracts signed yet though). Enjoy!

The Lady Magazine posted:29/03/09

Next week's issue (out on 31st) of The Lady magazine will feature an interview with Michael. So be careful not to miss it.

Michael Guest on Paul O'Grady (Channel 4) posted:26/03/09

Michael will be talking to Paul O'Grady on his TV show. It will be aired on Easter Monday (13 April 2009). The show will start at 5pm.

Michael on Loose Women posted:23/03/09

Michael will be back on "Loose Women" this coming Thursday (26 March). You can watch the show on ITV2 at 4pm. Be sure not to miss it!

2nd week charts: Still in at place 11!! posted:22/03/09

The second week and Michael is still in the top 40 on place 11! Congratulations Michael! Well deserved. Check the charts here. here

Past and Present enters TOP 40 charts at 11 posted:15/03/09

Absolutely deserved Michael's latest album just entered the charts on place 11! Congratulations Michael, well done and very well deserved! Until the coming Sunday you can check the current charts here.

Current Charts:

U2 - No line on the Horizon
Annie Lennox - The Collection
Kelly Clarkson - All I ever wanted
Kings of Leon - Only by the night
Taylor Swift - Fearless
Faryl - Faryl
Prodigy - Invaders must die
Lady Gaga - The Fame
Take That - The Circus
Lily Allen - It's not me It's you
Michael Ball - Past and Present
Ting Tings - We started nothing
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Duffy - Rockferry
Beyonce - I am Sasha Fierce
Dubliners - The Very Best of
The Killers - Day & Age
Akon - Freedom
Elbow - The Seldom seen kid
James Morrison - Songs for You Truths for me

Radio 4: loose Ends Interview posted:15/03/09

Michael was interviewed by Clive Anderson last night. You can listen again to this interview via this link.

Interview on Sky News posted:14/03/09

Tomorrow (Sunday, 15 March) Michael will be interviewed on "Sunday Live with Colin Brazier" (Sky News). The programme will be on between 10am and noon.

Interviews on Listen again posted:14/03/09 Updated: 1:48pm

Michael has been interviewed by Smooth Radio and This is London. At the end of the latter Michael talks about his future plans, which include an Australian / New Zealand tour and probably a new theatre project. You can listen to the interviews on their websites.

E24: The week in entertainment (Updated video clip)

Smooth Radio (including a competition to win Hairspray tickets)

This is London

Additional Royal Albert Hall concert posted:10/03/09

An additional date for the the Royal Albert Hall has been added to Michael's tour schedule. The first concert at the Albert Hall will take place on Friday, 18 September. We will inform you, when the tickets will go into sale.

Bonus Track: I know where I've been posted:10/03/09

Whilst there are 20 songs on "Past and Present" Itunes offers an additional song that is not on the album itself. It's "I know where I've been" and most of you will know it's Motormouth Maybelle's big number in Hairspray.

You can buy the tune from Itunes, but unfortunately it's only available for the UK fans at the moment. We sincerely hope we will shortly be able to provide the non-UK fans with better news. However, for the moment just visit the ITunes site and search for Michael. There is a fabulous step by step description of what you have to do on the Michael Ball Fan Club forum. Just have a look at James Gaden's post and you should be fine.

Let's Dance for Comic Relief - Audience posted:10/03/09

The cast of Hairspray, including Michael, will take part in Let's Dance for Comic relief. They will perform "You can't stop the beat", which will be shown on BBC1 on Saturday (14 March) between 7:15pm and 8:35pm. If you are a fan and would love to attend the recording, you are more then welcome. The show will be recorded at Ealing Studios on Friday (13 March). Audience must be 14 years old or older and you have to be there by 3:30 pm. If you are interested please contact nina.clement@whizzkid.tv.

TV appearances posted:10/03/09

Michael keeps cropping up on TV, so please as always keep your eyes peeled to TV, radio and newspapers. For tomorrow (Wednesday) there are quite a lot of appearances on TV. Apart from that, there is an advert that seems to be shown on TV. Maybe you can catch it. Additionally be sure not to miss the following:

Alan Titchmarsh, ITV 1, 3 till 4 pm
Richard and Judy, Sky Channel 109, 6 till 7 pm
National Lottery Draw, BBC 1, 18:45 - 18:55 pm
On Thursday, 12 March
Five News, Channel Five, 12:30 pm - 1 pm (was postponed again)
On Friday, 13 March
The Wright Stuff, Channel Five, 9 - 10:30 am
On Saturday, 14 March
Entertainment 24, BBC news 24, 10:45 am - 11 am
Let's Dance for Comic Relief, BBC1, 07:15 - 08:35pm

Universal Competition posted:10/03/09

Universal Music has added a lovely new quiz, where Michael himself asks questions about his career. If you give enough correct answers you can go through to a competition. The lucky winner will receive tickets for Hairspray and will be able to visit Michael in his dressing room. Additionally you will receive a signed CD of "Past and Present". You really should not miss this. You can find the competition page here.

TV Appearances posted:09/03/09

With the new album being released today you have probably noticed that Michael is all over the place (so not a real holiday for him). Today he will be on London Tonight, ITV 1, 6 - 6:30 pm. His appearance on Five News was postponed to tomorrow, 10 March, Channel 5, 12:30 pm. Keep your eyes peeled. There will be loads more to come.

UPDATE: He again was not on Five News today. So let's wait and see when he will be on.

Tour Dates Announced posted:28/02/09

The long awaited moment finally came yesterday at 9 am local time when the tour tickets went on general sale. Here are the dates. We will announce our own private tour shedule soon and will hopefully meet many of you at various stage doors. See you on the road!

You can buy tickets here.

12/09/2009 Oxford Apollo Theatre

13/09/2009 Bristol Colston Hall

15/09/2009 Bournemouth BIC

16/09/2009 Portsmouth Guildhall

18/09/2009 Royal Albert Hall London

19/09/2009 Royal Albert Hall London

21/09/2009 Nottingham Royal Centre

22/09/2009 Sheffield City Hall

24/09/2009 Liverpool Arena

26/09/2009 NIA Birmingham

27/09/2009 Blackpool Opera House

29/09/2009 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

30/09/2009 Edinburgh Usher Hall

02/10/2009 Newcastle City Hall

03/10/2009 Manchester Apollo

05/10/2009 Ipswich Regent

06/10/2009 Brighton Centre

08/10/2009 Cardiff CIA

09/10/2009 Plymouth Pavilions

Press Release posted:13/02/09

We had an email from the guys who promote Michael's new album Past and Present who asked us to put this press release online. So here goes. Enjoy!

Release date: 9 th March 2009 Through: UMTV

Michael Ball, Britain's leading musical theatre star, multi-platinum recording artist, TV and radio presenter and Olivier Award winner celebrates 25 years in music and theatre in 2009. To honour this auspicious occasion, Universal Music are to release an outstanding collection of favourite songs and newly recorded tracks titled Past and Present – The Very Best Of Michael Ball on March 9 th .

Some of Michael's best known songs are included on the album which spans an incredible career in the worlds of theatre and music; from his West End debut in Les Miserables in 1985 to his Olivier Award winning performance as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray , this absolute must-have collection also features six brand new recordings from Kismet , Hairspray and An Evening With Michael Ball at the BBC Proms in 2007.

The album opens with The Impossible Dream, a great favourite with concert goers and taken from the Broadway production and film Man From La Mancha. It's the first time Michael's ever recorded it. And at last record buyers will be able to have their own copy of the brand new and only recording of Michael and the West End cast of Hairspray performing You Can't Stop The Beat, the showstopping finale that always gets the audience dancing.

Other new recordings include This Is My Beloved/Stranger In Paradise from Kismet in which Michael made his 2007 debut with the ENO in the leading role as Hajj/The Poet – and for which he garnered universal critical acclaim. He sang This Is My Beloved in the show – here he ‘steals' the lyrical, romantic Stranger In Paradise sung in the opera/show/film by the Prince.

The Prayer is the duet performed by Michael and the Olivier Award winning actress and singer, Laura Michelle Kelly onstage at the Royal Albert Hall in June 2007 at An Evening With Michael Ball at the BBC Proms – it was the first time an entire evening had been given to a non-classical singer in the history of the Proms. The song won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for Carole Bayer Sager who wrote it for the 1998 animated film Quest For Camelot.

Michael's many West End and Broadway credits are represented here; from his 1985 debut as Marius in Les Miserables he sings the beautiful Empty Chairs, Empty Tables (which he recently performed on ITV's South Bank Show Awards), All I Ask Of You (1986) from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera and Love Changes Everything (1989) Michael's chart topping song from Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love in which Michael starred in the West End and on Broadway. Two of Michael's concert favourites are Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard and the Rice/Lloyd Webber composition Gethsamene from the 1972 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which appears on Michael's 1999 album, Live At The Albert Hall.

The Boy From Nowhere, from the 1991 musical Matador was originally recorded for Michael's ‘Centre Stage' album in 2001; Tell Me It's Not True is from Willy Russell's enduring musical, Blood Brothers, while This Is The Moment, another of Michael's fans' favourites, is taken from the Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde and The Winner Takes It All from Mamma Mia was originally written and recorded by Abba for their 1980 Super Trouper album.

Garth Brooks' lyrical pop song, If Tomorrow Never Comes was originally recorded by Michael for his 2000 album, ‘This Time It's Personal', and Freddie Mercury's dramatic, poignant The Show Must Go On is a massive favourite at Michael's concerts. Michael's 1992 Eurovision entry, One Step Out Of Time, was recorded live and his own composition, Just When, was originally recorded for his ‘This Time It's Personal' album.

One of Michael's favourite American composers is the legendary Stephen Sondheim from whose huge canon of work Michael has chosen to record Loving You from the musical Passion, Being Alive from the underrated 1972 musical, Company and the glorious ballad Not While I'm Around from Sweeney Tod which is actually sung by the lead character, Mrs Lovett, and most recently performed by Helena Bonham Carter in the movie. Michael swears he didn't wear one of Edna's dresses when he recorded this one…

MICHAEL BALL on 25 years of music and theatre:

“It's a milestone and a celebration,” says Michael. “I really think that if you can still be doing this after 25 years, it's worth celebrating!

“I'm lucky that a lot of what I've done has been recorded so I've got a catalogue of 25 years of work going right back to Les Mis . It's been lovely to be able to record music from Hairspray and Kismet for the first time too – and I persuaded the whole Hairspray cast to come and record ‘You Can't Stop The Beat' which I think is everyone's favourite song from the show.

“Getting my own Prom in 2007 was a career highlight – it was an amazing evening. Laura Michelle Kelly joined me onstage at the Royal Albert Hall to sing ‘The Prayer' so I invited her to come and record it with me for the album. I've also recorded ‘Being Alive' , a great number by Stephen Sondheim – it's the hardest song I've ever sung but it's a great number; I've also recorded my first ever audition song, ‘The Impossible Dream' from ‘Man Of La Mancha' …I've had lots of requests to record it so here it is!

“Every song on this album represents a major memory for me. Every time you open in a show, every time you create a new character, it's a career highlight. The obvious ones are Les Mis , Phantom , Aspects of Love , Passion ; the Proms, winning the Olivier and the whole Hairspray experience has been the best of my life. Appearing on Broadway for the first time, singing at the Sydney Opera House, the millennium concert in Kuala Lumpar, Windsor Castle – all these amazing places you get to perform in. And I love doing my radio show! This last year has, without question, been the busiest and most varied of my entire career. Who'd have thought a big fat housewife from Baltimore would be my soulmate!

“So I find myself after 25 years never happier, more fulfilled and more stretched. And thanks to Universal I can carry on making records of a first class quality with fantastic musicians.”

Michael won the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Actor In A Musical with his superb performance as the lovable, supersized Edna Turnblad in the hit West End production of Hairspray in which he stars until the end of July 2009. Michael has won critical acclaim and the hearts of a fiercely loyal public with his numerous performances in West End and Broadway shows; his solo recording career has had parallel success earning him chart toppers and gold and platinum discs while his regular concert tours sell out within hours of going on sale. Since April 2008 Michael has been hosting his own weekly BBC Radio 2 show – Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch – which airs from 11am to 1pm every Sunday.

Album cover posted:11/02/09

And now we cann finally show you the much anticipated album cover:

Promotional Activities posted:11/02/09

As we already told you Michael will be on a short holiday from Hairspray from 10 to 14 March 2009. Although very much deserved he won't have much time to relax. The week is supposed to be full of promotional activities for his upcoming album "Past and Present".

We know Michael will be all around, but we cannot give you any details at the moment. So keep your eyes peeled to TV, radio and newspapers / magazines.

Album News posted:08/02/09

On severel websites Michael's new album is now listed to be released on Monday, 9th of March. It will be called Past & Present: The Very Best Of. The provisional song listing so far reads like this:

1. The Impossible Dream
2. Hairspray - You Can't Stop the Beat
3. Being Alive
4. The Prayer - Duet with Laura Michelle Kelly
5. Kismet - This is my Beloved / Stranger in Paradise
6. Gethsemane
7. Love Changes Everything
8. Empty Chairs, Empty Tables
9. All I Ask of You
10. The Boy from Nowhere
11. Loving You
12. Sunset Boulevard
13. This is the Moment
14. Tell Me it's not True
15. If Tomorrow Never Comes
16. Not While I'm Around
17. The Winner Takes it All
18. Just When
19. One Step out of Time (Live)
20. The Show Must Go On

Available for pre-order at Discount Music Connection and Play.com amongst others.

More Holiday Dates posted:01/02/09

Thanks to the Fan Club we now know Michael's new holiday dates for May. He will be away for one week from 4 - 11 May, back on stage on 12 May.

Michael extends Hairspray once more posted:19/01/09

What can we say? There is no denying Michael really does love and enjoy being Edna Turnblad. He still cannot be parted from her and that's why he extended for another three months. His last night will be 25 July 2009 and chances are pretty high this will definitely be his last night!

As a lovely sideremark we can confirm that Leanne Jones (Tracy Turnblad) and Ben James-Ellis (Link Larkin) have extended their contracts as well.

Here you can find some news links to other sites:

South Bank Show Awards posted:18/01/09

Michael will be performing at thie year's South Bank Show Awards. Recorded on 20 January at The Dorchester in London, ITV will cover the awards and you can catch up with the goings-on on Wednesday 28 January at 10:35 pm.

As we know it would be even more interesting if they filmed the party afterwards (the words American and Bar spring to mind...)!

First Summer Concert Announced posted:16/01/09

On Saturday, the 27th of June (oh yes, on his birthday) you can join Michael for a Last Night of the Proms concert in West Wycombe Park.

Join the party and celebrate this special day on the beautiful surroundings of a stately manor in Buckinghamshire. It's not an hour's journey from London and all information on how to get there can be found at their website.

Tickets for this picnic style concert are on sale now and there is also the possibility of obtaining VIP tickets.

For telephone bookings please call 0500 66 18 12.

We will see you there!

Michael on The One Show posted:09/01/09

Michael was supposed to be on The One Show in December, but due to ill health this needed to be cancelled. However, it is now re-scheduled and Michael will be on BBC One on Monday, 19 January 2009. It will air between 7 and 7:30 pm.

Michael on Air in Australia posted:19/11/08

As our friend Bev informed us, the lovely Ian Maurice will be interviewing Michael once again for Radio 4BC Brisbane (Australia). This interview will be aired on Thursday (20th) at 10:15 am UK time (and 8:15 pm Brisbane time). You can listen live by clicking on this link. Enjoy!

Hairspray wins Variety Club Awards posted:19/11/08

Last Sunday Hairspray scooped another award: The Musical Theatre award which is one of the Variety Club Showbiz Awards. Congratulations to the whole cast!

4 x News posted:16/11/08

Firstly we can tell you that Michael is supporting the Theatre for Theatre charity. You can find out all you want to know about this great charity by clicking on this link. Thanks for the Fan Club we can show you a photo of Michael joining the appeal launch on 29 September.

World AIDS Day

From Theatre MAD's website:

West End star and recording artist Michael Ball is to front TheatreMAD's 2008 World AIDS Day Theatre Bucket Collection Appeal, which takes place from Saturday 29th November – Sunday 7th November at theatres across the UK.

Michael Ball, who is currently starring in the smash West End hit musical Hairspray for which he won both the Olivier and Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards for Best Actor in a Musical, commented that, 'I am delighted to support TheatreMAD's 2008 World AIDS Day Appeal. HIV and AIDS is not a diminishing problem and the team at TheatreMAD, drawing in support from the entire theatre industry, do a great deal of excellent work in raising money and raising awareness for those affected. At Hairspray we'll be collecting throughout the appeal and I hope our theatre and theatres nationwide raise a lot of money for this extremely worthwhile cause.'

Find out more on their website.

Music Industry Awards

Michael was a guest at this years' Music Industry Awards on 3 November. Getty have some wonderful Photos online. Check them out!

The One Show

Michael will guest on BBC One's The One Show on 8 December. The show is on at 7 pm UK time. Enjoy!

Michael to launch Theatregoer Awards posted:04/11/08

Just as last year Michael will be one of the hosts of the What's On Stage Theatregoers' Choice Awards launch party, where they will announce the shortlist of those artists and shows nominated and the voting launched. The party will be held at the London Hippodrome on Friday 5 December. You can nominate your favourite show and artist via this link.

For more info on the event click here.

Michael in Sunday Telegraph Today posted:02/11/08

You may remember that Michael was supposed to be in the Sunday Telegraph last week. Well, his interview is in today's edition. You will be able to find it in the Seven Magazine. Be sure to check it out.

Hairspray on TV posted:01/11/08

The Hairspray cast will be performing live on Television, twice. We don't know if Michael will be part of any of these shows, but it should be worth watching anyway!

5 November 2008 3pm on ITV 1 (Alan Titchmarsh)

14 November 2008 (sometime after the evening show): Children in Need on BBC 1

Holiday Dates posted:31/10/08

We finally have Michael's official holiday dates. He will be on holiday between 20 December 2008 and 5 January 2009. His second holiday will be from 9 till 16 March 2009. Keep that in mind while booking.

Shena on TV posted:30/10/08

Shena emailed us to let us know that she will be appearing on the BBC Two show 'Never mind the Buzzcocks' today (30th). She will be on the Guess the Pop Star section. The show is aired at 9 pm local time. Enjoy!

Rocky Horror Update posted:30/10/08

The wonderful Rocky Horror Tribute concert that Michael appeared in, is now available for pre-order from amazon.co.uk as a region 2 (European standard) DVD. It's set to be released on 10 November. Thank you to Liz for the heads up!

Newspaper Update posted:27/10/08

Sadly the article wasn't in the Telegraph this Sunday. We will keep you posted on when it will be printed.

Newspaper Alert posted:23/10/08

Before we are leaving for London, we would like to share with you that there will be an interview with Michael published in the Sunday Telegraph this Sunday (26th). So watch out for that one. Thanks to Gill and Maureen for the heads up.

Sky Update posted:18/10/08

Thanks to the Fan Club we are now aware that the 30 minutes special will be showing on various dates and apparently it will be shown only once on a non-movie channel. This will be on Monday, 20th (tomorrow!) at 10 am on Sky 3. Enjoy!

Sky announces Musical Season posted:18/10/08

Michael will be presenting a week of HD movie musical extravaganza plus a 30 minutes special. Here's the announcement as found on many TV websites:

"Sky has announced a season of musicals for its Sky Movies Modern Greats and Modern Greats HD channels. Titles getting their hi-def debut include The Rocky Horror Picture Show , The Sound of Music and West Side Story.

The Musicals Season runs from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October, and will include 18 HD movies in total, the majority of which are not yet available on Blu-ray.

Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies & Sky Box Office says: 'The Musical Season will showcase films from across the genre. Many of these films have played an important part in the soundtrack of our lives and, thanks to the wonder of HD, will be reinvigorated for new and returning audiences, bringing back treasured memories and creating a new, more vivid experience.'

The week long season will be presented by Michael Ball, star of West End hit Hairspray.

Says Ball: 'I'm particularly excited about those being shown in hi-def; not since their original cinema release have audiences had the opportunity to enjoy them in such vivid and spectacular quality just as they were intended. Can't wait!'

The Biggest Musicals Season On British Television Ever!, October 20th - 26th will feature:

Hairspray (2007)
The Sound Of Music (UK HD premiere)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (UK HD premiere)
West Side Story
Grease
Grease 2
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas
Dreamgirls
The King And I
Carousel
Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Funny Face
Idlewild
Oklahoma!
Paint Your Wagon
The Pirates Of Penzance
Love Me Tender
Holiday Inn (1941)
Louisiana Purchase (1941)

Check out their website for more info.

Michael on LK Today posted:24/09/08

Michael will be interviewed by Lorraine Kelly on "LK Today" on Thursday. You can watch the show on GMTV between 8:25 and 9:25 am. Be sure not to miss it.

Rocky Horror DVD posted:21/09/08

As announced on the timewarp.org.uk website, there will be a DVD released of the memorable night when there was a tribute concert for the legendary Rocky Horror Show in 2006. Contributions from the sale of this DVD will go to Amnesty International. It is available for pre-order from Amazon.com and will be released on October 14th.

As indicated on the website, there should be a UK release, too. But even if this will not happen, don't worry, most European DVD players have no problem whatsoever playing Region 1 DVDs from the US. Michael sings the wonderful "I'm Going Home" and will be on stage during the "Floor Show".

Holiday Dates Announced posted:14/09/08

Michael's long awaited holiday dates have been announced. He will be off from 20/12/08 till 05/01/09, being back on stage on Tuesday 06/01/09.

Additionally we were warned by the Fan Club that he MIGHT take off the week from 16/03/09 till 23/03/09, back on stage Tuesday 24/03/09. This is very much unconfirmed yet. Just prepare yourself for the possibility when booking tickets.

We have added all this on our Hairspray Holiday Dates page.

Hairspray Booking Extended posted:01/09/08

The booking period for Hairspray has finally extended. This means tickets for Michael's last night are now available. You can order them via Keith Prowse and Seetickets at the moment. More Ticket Agencies should add these dates soon.

Michael to extend until 25th April 2009 posted:29/08/08

Michael kept mentionning it in interviews and at concerts and finally Baz Bamingboye announced in the Daily Mail that Michael will extend until 25th April 2009. Stay tuned as soon their should be an official announcement from the producers of Hairspray.

Interview with Alex Belfield posted:28/08/08

This is a chat held on the 27th August, i. e. yesterday. In here Michael repeats that he is staying in Hairspray longer than originally intended. It's 16 minutes long and you can listen to the interview via this link. Enjoy!

Michael to extend till April posted:02/08/08

Or at least that's what he said in an interview with The Scotsman, which appeared today. You can read it on our page or online.

It's a wonderful in depth interview. Enjoy the read.

And now we are off to go celebrating a little! Edna will stay in our lives a little while longer. Its almost too good to be true!

This Morning, ITV 1 posted:29/07/08

Michael and the rest of the Hairspray cast will join in This Morning's musical week and appear on the show on Friday, 1st August to sing "You Can't Stop the Beat". The show is on from 10:30 am local time. More info here.

UPDATE: We have heard now that Michael will probably not be appearing on this show. But you never can tell...

Huw Edwards Today (8th) posted:08/07/08

The Fan Club announced that Michael will be appearing on Huw Edwards' show on the BBC News Channel. This will be shown today at 5:50 pm local time.

High School Musical premiere (05/07/2008) posted: 06/07/08

Michael just mentionned on Sunday Brunch he had been attending the High School Musical premiere. We have been lucky enough to find two photos of him on Getty's website. Have a look and enjoy:

Paul O'Grady Today (23rd) posted: 23/05/08

The Fan Club announced that Michael will be appearing on a very special Paul O'Grady Show celebrating the 500th time the programme is aired. This will be shown today at 5:00 pm local time on Channel 4.

Steve Wright Today (18th) posted: 18/04/08

Today, on the 18th, Michael will be a guest on Steve Wright In The Afternoon at 2:00 - 5:00 pm local time. You can listen live and find all the info on the show here.

REMINDER: Sunday Brunch posted: 06/04/08

This is just a little reminder so that you do not miss the first ever episode of Michael's very own BBC Radio 2 show Sunday Brunch from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm local time. It should be available on Listen Again. His first guest will be Dame Judi Dench. Enjoy the show!

Michael Ball talks to Elaine Paige posted: 01/04/08

Michael will be interviewed by Elaine Paige followed by a Q+A session for fans. The chat will take place at the Shaw Theatre on 18th June 2008 between 1pm and 2:15pm. Tickets are priced £ 12 if you quote concession, otherwise £15. You can order tickets via this link or via phone (0870 033 2600).

Michael's Summer Concerts posted: 01/04/08

Finally all the concerts Michael will be doing during the summer are official and you can do your planning. Michael will be doing the following concerts. You can get tickets using the given links:

14/06/2008 (7:15pm): Hampton Court, seated (Venue - Ticketmaster)

19/07/2008 (8:00pm): Liverpool Summer Pops (Venue - Ticketmaster)

02/08/2008 (7:30pm): Kenwood House Picnic Concert with Lesley Garrett (Venue - Ticketmaster)

03/08/2008 (7:30pm): Audley End - Last Night of the Prom style (Michael doing first half with Lesley Garrett) (Venue - Ticketmaster)

10/08/2008 (8:99pm): Patchings Summer Concerts (Venue)

Michael interviews Webber posted: 20/03/08

This Friday (21st) Michael will be interviewing Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber "for a fascinating chat about the life and extraordinary times of Lionel Bart"on BBC Radio 2. For more info click here. It was announced to begin at 6 pm, but the info website states 7:03 pm. We guess it's best to tune in at 6 and see what happens.

Michael at Liverpool Summer Pops posted: 14/03/08

For the third time Michael will be performing at the Liverpool Summer Pops on Saturday, 19th of July. Tickets will go into general sale on Thursday, 20th March 2008 at 9am. There will be a presale for Fan Club Members starting on Tuesday, 18th March 2008. Click here for the press release of the Pops organizers.

You will also have the chance to buy VIP tickets for the concert. Taking Diana Ross as example her extras (which we suppose are the same at each concert) include: Reserved gold circle seating - VIP parking - Luxury VIP suite - Champagne reception - Luxurious presentation summer buffet - Teas & Cafetiere coffee - Souvenir programmes - Open Bar all evening - Wines and premium beers - Aftershow Hospitality. At Ticketmaster these VIP tickets will be sold at £166, compared to £27.50 - £42.50 for the "basic" tickets.

TV Appearances by Michael posted: 11/03/08 / Updated: 14/03/2008

The Five News Interview will happen today at 5pm! Be sure to tune in!

Following his big success with winning the Olivier Award Michael will be on TV tomorrow (Wednesday, 12th March 2008). Be sure to tune in!

This Morning, ITV 1 (starts 10:30am)

Five News with Natasha Kaplinsky on Channel 5 (5pm and 7pm)

Michael Ball - Olivier Award Winner!!!!!!!!! posted: 09/03/08

Yes, it's true. Our Michael won his very first Olivier Award!!! Congratulations from JustBall.Net. You are fabulous and you sooo much deserved this award!!! We are absolutely proud of you!

There are some photos of Michael and Leanne with their awards on Getty Images.

In addition to Michael .... well we have the following Hairspray winners:

Michael Ball (Edna Turnblad) - Best Actor in a Musical

Leanne Jones (Tracy Turnblad) - Best Actress in a Musical

Tracie Bennett (Velma von Tussle) - Best Supporting Actress in a Musical

Hairspray - Best New Musical

Olivier Award Coverage posted: 08/03/08

You can follow the award ceremony via this website. The show is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm this Sunday (9th). Arrivals at the red carpet from 5:30 pm. Our fingers and toes are tightly crossed!!

First Summer Concert Confirmed posted: 02/03/08

It was confirmed that Michael will be appearing at the Hampton Court Festival on Saturday, 14 June 2008. Info can be found here. We will let you know when tickets go on sale. So stay tuned.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to this concert Michael will not be appearing in Hairspray that night. It is advised not to book Saturdays from June - August.

TV Show and Award Coverage posted: 26/02/08

Today (26th) Michael will appear on The Alan Titchmarsh Show which is broadcast at 2:30 pm on ITV 1.

Also around is all the photos and even a video from the Theatregoer's Choice Awards to enjoy. Here are some links you might want to check out:

What's On Stage Website - photos and video

Getty Images - photos

Wooller.com - photos

Desert Island Discs on Radio 4 posted: 22/02/08

Michael recorded an episode of Desert Island Discs, which will air on BBC radio 4 on Sunday 2 March 2008 at 11:15am till 12:00 noon.

You will be able to listen live to the show or its repeat the following Friday at 9:15 am. It is most likely the show will not be put on Listen Again! Visit their website here.

Michael wins Theatregoer's Award posted: 22/02/08

Whatsonstage announced today the winners of the Theatregoer's Choice Awards. We are delighted to report that Michael won in the category Best Actor in a Musical (WOOHOO!). Hairspray as such won seven awards (out of ten nominations). Here goes:

Leanne Jones - Best Actress in a musical
Michael Ball - Best Actor in a Musical
Tracie Bennett - Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Ben James-Ellis - Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Hairspray - Best New Musical
Jack O'Brien - Best Director
Jerry Mitchell - Best Choreographer

CONGRATULATIONS to Michael and everyone at Hairspray! This is so well deserved!

Michael also got an Honorable Mention for his transformation as Edna Turnblad.

For full list of winners click here. For full list of Hairsdpray's other awards and nominations click here.

Michael inherits Parky's radio slot posted: 18/02/08

The rumours kept getting stronger and stronger and finally it has been announced. Michael's new challenge will be his own regular Sunday radio show on BBC 2. Read the press release from BBC 2 here. He follows in the footsteps of Michael Parkinson, who finished his career several years ago. Michael's first show will go on air on Sunday 6 April and he will be on from 11 am till 1pm. Be sure to make him a regular on you Sunday timetables!

For his international fans: we all will be able to listen to the show live via internet and it's highly likely the show will get it's own place on listen again.

Congratulations Michael :-)

Olivier Award Nominations posted: 07/02/08

It was just announced that Hairspray scooped up a record breaking 11 nominations for the Laurence Olivier Awards. As you can read here, Hairspray is "the most nominated single production in one year"! Michael is nominated for an award in the category Best Actor in a Musical. On a personal note we are delighted that Elinor Collett is nominated, too. Well deserved! CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE AT THE SHAFTESBURY!

The winners will be announced on Sunday 9 March. So everyone keep your fingers crossed.

We have added these nominations to our awards & nominations page.

And here are the nominees:

Best Actor in a Musical ~ Michael Ball
Best Actress in a Musical ~ Leanne Jones
Best Performance in a Supporting Role~ Tracie Bennett and Elinor Collett
Best New Musical ~ Hairspray
Best Director ~ Jack O'Brien
Best Set Design ~ David Rockwell
Best Theatre Choreographer ~ Jerry Mitchell
Best Lighting Design ~ Kenneth Posner
Best Costume Design ~ William Ivey Long
Best Sound Design ~ Steve C Kennedy

WOS Radio Interview posted: 05/02/08

Roger Foss has done a lovely interview with Michael. You can listen to the interview on WOS Radio.

Michael speaks lots about Hairspray and how he turned into Edna. The thing we are most interested in though: Yes, Michael hints that this mysterious project he mentioned at the end of last year will soon be announced. Within a month we can expect a press release that might tell us why Michael won't be doing any Monday night shows from May on. Just have a listen and enjoy.

Michael's Holiday Dates posted: 05/02/08

For quite a while now everyone was waiting for Michael to announce his holiday dates, so everyone can make plans and book Hairspray tickets for the duration of his stay. And here they are. Happy planning everyone!

Monday 28 April - Monday 5 May 2008 ( back on stage Tues 6 May 2008)
Monday 30 June - Monday 7 July 2008 (back on stage Tues 8 July 2008)
Monday 15 Sept. - Monday 22 Sept. 2008 ( back on stage Tues 23 Sept. 2008)

It was furthermore announced that from April 28th on, Michael will no longer perform in the Monday shows. So keep this in mind when booking.

Elaine Paige Show TODAY posted: 03/02/08

Michael will appear on the above show on BBC Radio 2 this Sunday (the 3rd). It is aired from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm local time. To listen to it, click on the above link.

More Awards for Hairspray posted: 29/01/08

Today the winners of the Critics' Circle Awards were announced:

Leanne Jones (Tracy Turnblad) won the The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer and Hairspray was awarded the The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical. Congratulations to everyone! Here you can read the full story.

We'd like to remind everyone that the Theatregoers' Choice Awards are still out there to be won. Voting will close on February 10th. As we have reported before, Hairspray (and Michael, of course) got a spectacular 10 nominations. Now it is up to us to help them win!

So please everyone, get voting and make your family and friends join in as well! Every vote counts! Here's the link.

Winners will be announced on 22nd of February.

Jonathan Ross Radio Today posted: 19/01/08

Today (Saturday 19th) Michael will be a guest on the Jonathan Ross show on BBC Radio 2, which is aired from 10:00 am - 01:00 pm local time. To listen live, click here.

Elaine Paige Show postponed posted: 04/01/08

It looks as though Michael will not actually appear on the above show on BBC Radio 2 this Sunday (the 6th) as previously announced. There is no confirmed date for his appearance as yet, but it looks like it might be the 3rd of February. Stay tuned.

Star Traders Tonight posted: 22/12/07

Albeit he begins his well-earned holiday today, you can still see Michael on TV tonight (Saturday, 22nd December). He will appear on ITV 1's Star Traders show, which is aired at 8:15 - 9:15 pm. Enjoy!

Michael's Last Night posted: 15/12/07

We now know that Michael's last night at Hairspray will be October 25th in 2008 (that's a Saturday). So get booking everyone! This matinee will certainly be one to remember!

It Takes Two posted: 10/12/07

It was just announced that Michael will be a guest on BBC 2's Strictly Come Daning - It Takes Two programme sometime this week. The show in on Monday to Friday at 6:30 pm.

UPDATE 12/12/07:
It was announced that Michael will be appearing on tonight's (Wednesday's) show. Seeing he was off sick on Monday, this appearance will depend on whether he is feeling well enough, of course. Fingers crossed!

News Galore posted: 09/12/07

That's the trouble when you are working full time and do a website about someone as busy as Michael: you can hardly keep up the pace! So here we go. Massiv

e news flash:

1. Award Nominations

Hairspray recieved Theatregoer's Choice Award nomination in the following catergories:

Best Actor in a Musical (Michael Ball)

Best Actress in a Musical (Leanne Jones)

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Ben James-Ellis and Mel Smith)

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical (Tracie Bennett)

Best New Musical

Best Director (Jack O'Brien)

Best Set Designer (David Rockwell)

Best Choreographer (Jerry Mitchell)

London Newcomer of the Year (Leanne Jones)

These awards are based on people's votes. This means, if you want Hairspray (and Michael!) to win you will have to vote HERE.

2. Royal Variety Performance on TV

Tonight (Sunday 9th) at 8:00 pm (-10:30 pm) ITV 1 shows the RVP for everyone to enjoy. The cast of Hairspray will perfrom You Can't Stop The Beat as the show's finale. So set those VCRs (or DVD recorders).

3. Radio Special

On Monday 31st December and Tuesday January 1st , Michael will be presenting a radio show on BBC Radio 2. It will be on air between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm local time. That's six hours of Michael to enjoy via this link. What a wonderful way to end and begin a year.

4. Classic FM Christmas CD

On this 2-disc album you can here Michael sing When A Child Is Born. Others artists on there include Aled Jones, Bryn Terfel, Andrea Bocelli and many more. To order this CD simply click here.

5. Hairspray Competition

We recieved the following email:

Hi,

This is to let you know that Stage and Screen Online has 2 tickets to see Michael Ball in Hairspray - which can be won in our new competition. Winners will also receive exclusive programmes signed by the stars of the show.

Just visit www.stageandscreenonline.com to enter. Good luck!

And don't forget that you can still hear Michael Ball talking about the role of Edna Turnblad, and many other shows in his career - just follow the links on the site.
Best wishes,

Tommy Pearson
Creator, Stage and Screen Online

Michael Extends Until October posted: 07/12/07

Much to our delight we can report that Michael will extend his run at Hairspray until October 2008! This was the news we have all been waiting for. So get booking everyone! We cannot wait for summer stage doors! Yipee!

Oh and of course another reason to celebrate:

Hairspray got 10 nominations for the Theatergoer's Choice Awards. Or so says the Daily Mail. Our fingers are tightly crossed!

Hairspray wins first Award posted: 27/11/07

As we have already told you on the homepage, Michael did not do his interview at the Simon Mayo show today, but instead attended the Evening Standard Awards at the Savoy Hotel.

We congratulate the cast and entire production team of Hairspray for winning the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical! This will be the the first of many, we are sure!

For photos of Michael, Leanne and Ben arriving at the Savoy, just visit Getty Images and search for Michael.

Media News posted: 26/11/07

Here are some more media appearances to keep up with. Enjoy those interviews!

Tuesday, 27th November:

Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 5, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Listen Live and Listen Again available)

Wednesday, 28th November:

This Morning, ITV 1, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Michael to sing on "Voices of the Valley encore" posted: 19/11/07

Elaine Paige played "Rhythm of Life" taken from The Male Voice Choir's latest album "Voices Of The Valley Encore".

Quite to our surprise, guess who the lead singer was? Yes, none other than our Michael.

You can still listen to the show on BBC2 Listen Again Feature. Just click here and you can fast forward to 2:03, where the song starts. The file should be there until 25/11/2007.

To buy the album just click here!

Media News (TV and Radio) posted: 11/11/07

It is now confirmed that Michael will be a guest on Channel 4's Paul O'Grady Show next Friday, 16th November at 5 pm.

Furthermore we just recieved an email from our fave Australian radio presenter Mr Ian Maurice who let us know, that he has

"just completed another radio interview with Michael and thought you might be interested to know that it will go to air on Radio 4BC next Wednesday night at 8.30 p.m. That's 10.30 a.m. Wednesday (14th) UK time.

It is a chat for about 30 minutes. It can be heard on the following website: www.mytalk.com.au . You need to follow the 4BC links and sign in. It is a once only sign in and there is no data base. We are hoping to post it is a podcast after that time."

Thank you Ian, for letting us know! Ian's interviews are always a joy to listen too, so make sure you will not miss this one.

Hairspray at the Royal Variety Performance posted: 06/11/07

Hairspray will be part of this years Royal Variety Performance. It will take place at the Liverpool Empire on Monday, 3rd December 2007 in attendance of The Queen and HRH The Prince of Edinburgh. There are some pricy tickets left. For us others, it will be shown on TV the following week. For more information visit the official site.

New Hairspray Photos posted: 03/11/07

The Official Hairspray website does have some gorgeous new action photos, taken during the show. Lovely photos of the whole cast, not only the leads (not that we do mind new photos of the leads ;-)). Go to the main page and click on photos and enjoy!

Hairspray booking period extended posted: 02/11/07

It certainly does not come as a surprise, but the booking period has finally been extended up until the end of October 2008. This means you are able to book tickets for Michael's last night (well yet!). Michael keeps hinting that he could be interested in extending his run as well. So... his last night might be a bit later than expected. Especially as he recently said in an interview he does not have any plans at the moment apart from his Haispray run.

Press Night Reviews and more posted: 01/11/07

Press Night is through and the reviews are floating in. So far we have not seen a bad one, which does not come as a surprise.

Apart from the reviews you can find in the Press Ball section, there are some new newspaper articles up there as well.

Stage and Screen Online (for whom Michael did the recent interview with Ed Seckerson) have put up a review done by Ed Seckerson. Just have a look at his review.

Furthermore the official Hairspray website has been updated with fabulous clips from the show. Just have a look at their video section.

Whatsonstage has done a lovely video report about the Press Night. So something to watch there as well.

TV, Radio and On Stage Appearances posted: 27/10/07

Michael might be participating in a "Fantastic Charity Cabaret Night" (depending on his other work commitments) for the Friends United Network (FUN). The event with guets like Dame Judi Dench, Jonathan Pryce and Kevin Spacey will take place on Sunday, 11th November at the Almeida Theatre in Islington(London). You can print out the booking form from here.

Monday, 29th October:

This Morning on ITV 1, 10:30 am- 12:30 pm

BBC Breakfast News on BBC 1, 6:00 - 9:15 am

Tuesday, 30th October:

Breakfast Show on Heart FM Radio, 6:00 - 9: 00 am

Friday, 2nd November:

Weekender, BBC Radio 2, 10:00 - 12:00 pm

Tuesday, 6th November:

Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4, 10:00 - 11:00 am

Sunday, 11th November:

Steve Allen Show, LBC Radio, 08:00 - 11:00 am

Sunday, 6th January:

Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2, 01:00- 2:30 pm

Back To Bacharach Advertisement posted: 26/10/07

Update:

We just received a higher quality version. Fingers crossed it will work with you. You need to have the latest Quick Time Player installed.

Lovely Angela caught Tesco's advertisement on TV. As she does not have the equipment to get it straight on the computer, she filmed it off TV. Therefore the quality is not what you are usually used to, but it gives you a great impression of a lovely ad. Have a look and as soon as we will receive the hard copy, we will post the better quality video here.

The video clip needs to be played on Quick Time Player. If Quick Time does not open automatically, right click on the link and save it onto your computer by choosing "save target as" (or something to that extent).

So just have a look at the video and enjoy!

Stage and Screen Online Interview posted: 10/10/07

We have just recieved the following email and naturally we share it with all of you! So here goes:

Hi,

This is to let you know that my new site, www.stageandscreenonline.com, features a new audio interview with Michael Ball - available free. Please let your members know about it! Here's the official blurb :

MICHAEL BALL in conversation with Edward Seckerson. One of the UK's most popular singers, Michael Ball, gives an entertaining and brutally honest interview especially for Stage and Screen Online ahead of his appearance in a frock for Hairspray. From his Shaftesbury Theatre dressing room, Michael talks about the fun he's having with the role of Edna Turnblad, goes into great detail about the controversial Kismet at ENO, talks about his new album of Burt Bacharach songs and reveals how he's desperate to play Sweeney Todd.

You can listen online or download the interview absolutely free at www.stageandscreenonline.com.

We also have 5 copies of "Back to Bacharach", signed by Michael, to give away in our competition (details on the site).

If you enjoy Stage and Screen Online, please support us by donating in a safe and secure way from the PayPal link on the homepage. We want to make sure all content continues to be free for everyone!

Best wishes,

Tommy Pearson Creator, Stage and Screen Online
www.tommypearsonmusic.com
www.stageandscreenonline.com

Album Sound Clips and DVD news posted: 09/10/07

This is what we've all been waiting for! Finally here are the first soundclips of every single track on the new album. Enjoy!

Also, the release date for the DVD may have been altered to the 12th instead of the 19th of November. Some shops list it thus. Mind you, you can still find both dates on the internet. For now we will not hold our breath for the 12th until we have official confirmation.

TV Appearances and pre-order posted: 06/10/07

After a bit of an email conversation with Amazon they now have Michael's album advertised properly for pre-order. You can do so via this link.

And here is the list of scheduled TV appaearances:

Thursday, October 18th, GMTV (on LK Today only), ITV 1, 8:35 am - 9:30 am

Monday, October 22nd, Loose Women, ITV 1, 12:30 pm - 01:30 pm

Thursday, October 25th, This Morning, ITV 1, 10:30 am - 12:30 am

Monday, October 29th, BBC Breakfast News, BBC 1, 6:00 am - 9:15 am

Surely he will be more busy than that, with the album AND Hairspray to promote. Constant vigilance!

New Album Titeled Back to Bacharach posted: 29/09/07

Thanks to the Fan Club we can now bring you the latest news on Michael's new album, which will be released on Monday, 22nd of October.

Firstly, here goes the (AMAZING) cover:

And secondly, here is the press release:

MICHAEL BALL's beautiful new cd, Michael Ball - Back To Bacharach, is an impressive choice of classic tunes from the legendary composer's outstanding canon of work. Back To Bacharach reflects Michael's personal favourites and catapults him into a new musical direction.

“I've recorded a few Bacharach songs over the years and performed some in concert and always felt they suited me,” says Michael. “I love the stories, and the lyrics (many by Hal David) have always struck a chord with me, especially on the more serious numbers. Bacharach has such a brilliant ear for melody and his music has a completely timeless feel to it; I thought it would be great to do a whole album of his music and to record with a full orchestra and big band which is something I hadn't done before. I thought it was also time I made a sort of ‘late night' album with sophisticated arrangements – and he's definitely the king of all that!”

Classic tracks include Make It Easy On Yourself which was a No. 1 hit for the Walker Brothers in 1965; You'll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart a huge hit for Dionne in 1964; (They Long To Be) Close To You immortalised by The Carpenters; Anyone Who Had A Heart chart toppers for both Cilla and Dionne; Alfie Bacharach/David's Oscar nominated film theme from 1966 and the Oscar nominated The Look Of Love which was a huge hit for both Dionne and Dusty in 1967…

“Dusty Springfield was one of my all time favourite singers,” says Michael. “She was the rarest of talents, she pioneered a completely new sound and paved the way for a host of other female performers. Her ‘Dusty In Memphis' is one of the greatest records ever made. We sang ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough' together on my TV show and it was the last public performance she made. It was absolutely thrilling singing with her – her version of ‘The Look Of Love' is so sexy…I hope I've done it justice.”

More tracks include One Less Bell To Answer…

“Barbra Streisand recorded a medley of ‘A House Is Not A Home' and ‘One Less Bell To Answer' for her 1971 album Barbra Joan Streisand which I thought was beautiful. I had already recorded ‘A House…' on my second album and really wanted to record One Less Bell. It's a perfect and surprising song; it doesn't go to places you would expect it to – the rhythms, the key signatures and so on – and it has a sense of drama which of course is what I like and what I do – I like to approach a song as an actor as well as a singer; as an actor I'm able to tell a story and this is one of his best storytelling songs. I love it.”

…and This House Is Empty Now with lyrics by Elvis Costello

“I recorded God Give Me Strength, another Bacharach/Costello collaboration; I just think the combination of these two huge talents is fascinating; there's a pain to Elvis Costello's lyrics which I find really powerful,” says Michael.

…and Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do) by Christopher Cross from the 1981 movie; This Guy's In Love With You a hit for Herb Alpert in 1968; You'll Never Get To Heaven another Dionne classic from 1964; Reach Out For Me and What the World Needs Now.

The result is a cool, sophisticated album – a departure for Michael whose multi-platinum award winning albums have seen him move through rock, soul, movie themes, classic pop songs and sweet ballads. It provides the perfect showcase for his unique voice and gives him the opportunity of exploring the songbook of Burt Bacharach, the 21st century's equivalent of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and the great writers of the American songbook. These are songs that are extraordinarily well crafted pop songs, classics of their time that have stood the test of time and that have retained their coolability, their fashionable status and their musical credibility.

Friday Night with Jonathan Ross posted: 25/09/07

This Friday (the 28th) Michael is listed to be appearing in the above BBC 1 TV show, which airs at 10:40 pm. Be sure to tune in, those two are hilarious together.

National Lottery AGAIN posted: 14/09/07

Next Wednesday (the 19th), Michael will be presenting the National Lottery draw again on BBC 1 from 10:35 - 10:40 pm. Fingers crossed for everyone!

National Lottery posted: 10/09/07

This Wednesday (the 12th), Michael will be presenting the National Lottery draw on BBC 1 from 10:35 - 10:40 pm. Fingers crossed for everyone!

DVD and CD Releases posted: 08/09/07

While Michael is busy rehearsing for Hairspray, us fans can now pre-order his newest Tour DVD called "One Voice - One Special Night". It will be released on November 19th and is available via this link.

Also we know the title of his next album. It will be called "Michael Ball sings Bacharach" and is due to be released on October 22nd.

Oh and here is the DVD cover for you to enjoy:

Michael talks about Edna posted: 22/08/07

There is an interview of Michael speaking about the role of Edna Turnblad on the Hairspray Blog. Have a look and enjoy.

First photo of Michael as Edna Turnblad posted: 22/08/07

The first photos of Michael as Edna have been posted on the Hairspray Blog. All of the photos can be found on the Hairspray Blog Website. We'll just post two of them below. Observe and be amazed:

We STILL have difficulty recognising him!!

"Front Row" interview on BBC4 posted: 22/08/07

Tonight Michael will be interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 "Front Row" show. The show will air between 7:15pm and 7:45pm. You will be able to listen live. Once the show is over you will also be able to listen again.

Popmaster Quiz Radio 2 posted: 11/08/07

On Tuesday, 14th of August Michael will be a contestant in Ken Bruce's show on BBC Radio 2. It's on from 9:30 - 12:00 am and will be available on Listen Again for those of you who cannot listen live.

Peterborough Ticket Link posted: 04/08/07

The promoters of the Peterborough concert (September, 1st) asked us, whether we could include a banner in our website, so it will be easy for you to book tickets for this event. We obliged:

Album, DVD, Compilation, more DVD, Concert posted: 29/07/07

News galore this time!

We now have a release date for Michael's newest album, which will indeed consist only of songs written by Burt Bacharach. It will be released on Monday, 15th of October.

Furthermore the DVD of Michael's last tour will be released on Monday, 19th of November.

There is a new compilation out now with old hits and it is called "The Silver Collection" and features favourites like Cry Me A River, It's Still You and You'll Never Walk Alone. For a full songlist click here.

There will be a DVD version available from Michael's film England, My England, at last! Its release date is set to be Monday, 30th of July. We have long been waiting for this. This is a proper movie, no singing, just Michael doing what he was originally trained to do: acting. It's an amazing film about the life of composer Henry Purcell and his time. For info click here. You can order it here.

Not that we are done by now, oh no. There is the possibility for yet another concert appearance this year. Michael was asked to join the illustrious line-up of singers for the Barbara Cook and Friends concert, held at the London Coliseum, no less, on Sunday, 2nd of December. This is a concert to celebrate Barbara Cook's 80th birthday.

However, with Michael having such a busy schedule this year, it is not 100% sure he will appear. Bear this in mind while booking your tickets (stall tickets are priced 100 £, but the ones in the circle and balcony are a lot more moderate). To book call the Coliseum box office at 00 44 (0)870 145 0200.

New Album posted: 22/07/07

In addition to spoiling us to two West End shows this year, Michael will be releasing a new album (rumour has it that it's all based on the work of one single composer) which is due to be released sometime in October. Watch this space!

Who wants to be a Millionaire? posted: 22/07/07

It appears that Michael's appearance in the show is now scheduled to be aired on Saturday, 28th of July 7:40 - 8:45 pm on ITV1.

Radio Times Interview posted: 03/07/07

In this interview Michael talks about his plans for his very own prom concert. Check it out here.

Telegraph Interview posted: 25/06/07

If you follow this link you will find a very interesting Michael interview done by Matt Wolf, whom we like a lot. Check it out.

Michael promotes Kismet on BBC 3 posted: 24/06/07

Last Thursday Michael, along with Kismet's director and conductor, appeared in Radio BBC 3's In Tune show, Michael singing his rendition of "The Olive Tree". You can listen to the show via this link. Then selct Thursday.

Richard & Judy Show Today posted: 22/06/07

According to their website, Michael will be appearing on Channel 4's Richard & Judy Show, which airs 5:00 - 6:00 pm local time. Set those VCRs!

Kismet dress rehearsal rescheduled posted: 21/06/07

Due to some technical diffeculties, the public dress rehearsal which was originally scheduled for this Friday was rescheduled for next Monday, the 25th. This means that the preview on Monday is cancelled. All those having tickets for the preview night will be refunded. The ENO was certainly trying to contact all those having tickets for either nights. If you still haven't heard from them, please get in touch with the box office.

Michael to star in Hairspray posted: 15/06/07

It finally happens. Michael will be back on stage starring as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. The show will start its run with previews on 11th October, press night on 30th October at the Shaftesbury Theatre. We will update you shortly on the basics of this show (aka plot and everything). You can find more news and a link to buy tickets on the Official website. And you can read the Daily Mail article by Baz Bamigboye here! In the meantime, thanks to Gill and Maureen from the Fan Club, we can tell you Michael is contracted for six months. As of now no official "last night" date is known. Michael will be on holiday 23rd December 2007 till 5th January 2008.

Michael guest-presenting "This Morning" posted: 15/06/07

After Michael's successful runn as presenter of "This Morning" two years ago he will be back guest-presenting. He will be on air Tuesday, 19th June and Wednesday, 20th June. The programme will be aired 10:30 till 12:30 on ITV1. Their website .

Kismet website posted: 03/06/07

The ENO has now launched the official website for the upcoming production of Kismet. Check it out here.

Another Outdoor Concert posted: 17/05/07

On Saturday, September 1st Michael and guests will be performing songs from the musicals at Peterborough's Embankment. For information on the venue click here. For information on tickets click here. If you have no idea where Peterborough might possibly be, please click here.

Changed air time posted: 04/05/07

Apparently the air time for Ball over Broadway on BBC Radio 2 has been changed from Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 pm! So watch out for it.

Concerts galore posted: 28/04/07

Having been rather busy with the aftermath of the tour, we can now update the website with three exciting concerts Michael will be doing in the next few months.

First there is a full Michael concert at Repton school on Sunday, July 8th at 7:30 pm. Book tickets here and find info on the venue here.

Then there is Faenol Festival on Sunday, August 26th at 8:00 pm. Michael will be appearing with Bryn Terfel, Ruthie Henshall and Connie Fisher. Info on the festival can be found here and tickets can be booked here.

It will be a busy summer for Michael for only one day after Faenol he will be appearing at the prestigious BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall on Monday, August 27th at 8:00 pm.

This concert will be braodcasted on BBC Radio Three and BBC Four (television). Booking the Proms is a bit of a complicated matter. Many decisions to be made. There are tickets for the seated section and then there is the arena right on front of the stage. These are standing spaces sold only on the day, 30 minutes before doors open and are 5 £ each. Info on all the ticket procedures can be found here and info on the venue here.

Michael to appear at National Lottery posted: 21/04/07

For four Saturdays in a row, Michael will be pushing the buttons at the National Lottery Show on BBC 1. It will be on TV from 9:25 pm local time. First evening is tonight, 21April and last one is 12 May. Good luck everyone!

Ball over Broadway and Tour news posted: 30/03/07

Michael will be presenting the new seasons of his very successful Ball Over Broadway programme on BBC Radio 2 on 9:30 pm every Tuesday for six weeks, beginning at the 3rd of April.

And now to something completely different:

As many of you will know, Michael had to cancel his Bristol concert due to ill health. This concert has been re-sheduled for the 16th of April. Those of you who cannot attend the replacement date will get a full refund on their tickets.

Smoke free! posted: 10/03/07

In Michael's interview on ITV 1's This Morning show he revealed that he has given up smoking and has been ciggie-free for the past five weeks. Quite amazing! Congrats from the JustBall Bunnies!

He also announced that he is intending to preview some songs from Kismet in the upcoming concerts.

Media Appearances posted: 08/03/07

According to the Fan Club, Michael will be appearing on ITV 1's This Morning show this Friday (9th). The show is on from 10:30 am to 12:30.

Furthermore the Anthony Newley Tribute recorded for BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night will be repeated on Friday the 16th at 7:30 pm. So set those recorders, those of you who have missed it the first time.

We are sure there will be plenty of Michael in the media over the next few weeks to promote the tour, so keep your eyes and ears open! :-)

Support Act for Tour & special guests posted: 03/03/07

With only a few days left until the tour kicks off it was announced that Tara Blaise will be Michael's support act. If you want to find out more about her, just visit her website via this link.

Also we know now that Michael will be joined by Soapstar Superstar contestant Hayley Tameddon at his Blackpool and Manchester concerts.

The winner of the Childern in Need auction will duet with him at London.

Update on Ken Bruce show posted: 03/03/07

These are the songs that Michael picked as the tracks of his years:

Monday
The Rose ~ Bette Midler
Life On Mars ~ David Bowie

Tuesday
I Say A Little Prayer ~ Aretha Franklin
If Tomorrow Never Comes ~ Garth Brooks

Wednesday
Hopelessly Devoted To You ~ Olivia Newton-John
Home ~ Michael Buble

Thursday
September In The Rain ~ Dinah Washington
Love Changes Everything ~ Michael Ball

Friday
The Morning After ~ Maureen McGovern
Son Of A Preacher Man ~ Dusty Springfield

Michael on "Ken Bruce show" this week posted: 25/02/07

As we told you before, Michael will be part of the said BBC Radio 2 show. He will be on every day this week, 26th February till Friday 2nd of March.

Ken Bruce can be listened to on weekdays from 9:30 am till noon. You can listen to it live on the internet. And if you don't have the time to listen live, you can listen again for a week.

Michael on "The Wright Stuff"- update: No Michael posted: 17/02/07

As some of you might have already seen: There was no Michael on Monday, which means the information given out by Channel 5 have not been correct.

Who knows, Michael may be on sometime in the future. We will keep you posted.

Beware: It's not yet officially confirmed by the fan club, but several different sources state that Michael will be part of the panel on "The Wright Stuff" during the coming week (19th February - 23rd February 2007). ~~You can watch "The Wright Stuff" on weekdays at 9am. Just tune in to Channel 5.~~

Michael on "Ken Bruce show" (BBC Radio 2) posted: 17/02/07

Ken Bruce has a part in his show that is called Tracks of my years. Each week another famous person gets the chance to choose two favourite songs per day. This section of the show tends to be rather at the end of the programme.

Ken Bruce can be listened to on weekdays from 9:30am till noon. You can listen to it live on the internet. And if you don't have the time to listen live, you can listen again for a week.

Ball Over Broadway returns posted: 28/01/07

You will be pleased to hear that Michael will record another series of his tremendoulsy successful radio show for the BBC! No dates announced yet, but we will keep you updated!

Michael on Lesley Garrett's new album posted: 28/01/07

On February, the 5th Lesley's new album "When I Fall in Love" will be released. Michael has recorded the track "Come what may" with her. On this Amazon link you can not only order the CD but also watch a short video clip of the two recording the song. Enjoy!

Michael on Bonus Tracks, ITV2 (10/01/07) posted: 10/01/07

You will be able to see Michael being interviewed on Bonus Tracks. The show will be aired at appr. 10:30 pm.

Michael to be judge on Soapstar Superstar

From the week from 5th January to 13th January 2007 Michael will be judging on Soapstar Superstar (ITV 2). The shows will start at 9pm.

Barry Manilow Profile, Tuesday, 21st November posted: 19/11/06

Michael will be presenting "The Barry Manilow Profile" on BBC radio 2. You can listen live to the show online between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. Read more about the show.

MB on TV tomorrow, Friday 17th November posted: 16/11/06

Michael will be appearing in BBC1's Children in Need Show to present the BBC Radio 2 cheque. This show will be on from 7:00 - 9:30 pm local time and continue after the news from 10:35 - 1:55 at night. More info on the programme can be found here.

Talking of Children in Need, he highest bid on the concert duet that Michael auctioned for this great cause was 25 000 £. Congratulations to the lucky winner! Maybe we see you on the tour!

Info on Children in Need posted: 12/11/06

More details about the auction mentioned below is now listed on the BBC website:

SING ON STAGE WITH MICHAEL BALL

This auction lot is the ultimate treat for any Michael Ball fan . We're giving you and a guest the chance to meet Britain's foremost musical performer and star of productions such as ‘Les Miserables', ‘The Phantom Of The Opera' and ‘Aspects Of Love'.

You and a friend will not only get the chance to watch one of this country's best live performers, but you will also be able to watch Michael rehearse at one of his concerts in 2007.

However, we're also offering one of you the opportunity of a lifetime to sing with Michael live on stage . Before the concert, you and Michael will decide on a suitable song which you will rehearse during the afternoon. You'll then get to perform the duet in front of thousands of fans.

As a souvenir of this unforgettable day, you'll receive a collection of Michael Ball signed CDs.

Michael is performing at various locations across the UK during March and April 2007

With grateful thanks to Michael Ball and Jackie Gill