Summertime - An Evening of Gershwin posted:23/05/13
Another Michael event got announced today.
Michael will be hosting "An evening of Gershwin" at Kenwood House's "Live by the Lake" on 1 September 2013. Apart from hosting the show Michael is expected to sing eight songs. He will be joined by Goina Beck (current Glinda in Wicked), Kerry Ellis and David Shanon. Tickets can be booked via their official website.
Union Square Music asked us to share the following press release and material with you all:
MICHAEL BALL’s new single ‘FIGHT THE FIGHT’
Released on May 13th through Union Square Music
Written by Tim Rice (lyrics) and Stuart Brayson ( music)
MICHAEL BALL has an exciting brand new single, ‘Fight the Fight’, released on May 13th through Union Square Music and will be available from iTunes, Amazon and all other digital music stores.
‘Fight the Fight’ is upbeat, anthemic and has been penned by Sir Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson for their forthcoming West End page-to-stage musical, ‘From Here to Eternity’, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October. The musical marks Brayson’s West End debut and Rice’s first stage musical in ten years.
The track features on Michael’s recent Top Ten smash hit album, ‘Both Sides Now’ which has been in the charts since its release on February 25th. Released through Union Square Music, ‘Both Sides Now’ represents both sides of Michael’s unique career – that of Britain’s top musical theatre star and multi-platinum recording artist.
“One of the really exciting things about recording a new album,” says Michael, “is having brand new songs to record by such brilliant writers as Tim Rice and having to decide how they should sound because they’ve never been recorded before. Tim sent me a demo of ‘Fight the Fight’ which I immediately loved – it’s got guts, a great story, and a rollicking good tune. Quite early on I decided I wanted it to have a West Coast/Eagles feel to it – with lots of acoustic guitar and vocals upfront which Tim loved...luckily! I really hope I’ve done it justice – I feel very honoured to be recording a brand new Rice song and I’m looking forward to performing it live on my tour. I’m also really looking forward to seeing ‘From Here to Eternity’ – it’s 60 years since the Frank Sinatra film was released and it’ll be at the Shaftesbury where I spent a very happy two years performing in ‘Hairspray’. “
‘BOTH SIDES NOW’ showcases Michael’s outstanding talents in both areas of his stellar career - musical theatre and the recording studio. The album features some truly inspiring versions of Michael’s favourite pop hits together with classic songs from the musicals and some exciting new songs. His voice has never sounded better and his thoughtfully crafted, intimate arrangements on this outstanding collection of classic songs sees Michael taking chances and absolutely flying with his choices; songs such as the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber/Leslie Bricusse composition, ‘The Perfect Song’, Joan Armatrading’s ‘Love and Affection’, Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’, and more are given a new, contemporary feel.
It was a hattrick for Team Todd at yesterdays prestigious Olivier Awards. Team Todd received awards in the three main categories, namely:
Best Actor in a musical
Best Actress in a musical
Best Musical revival.
What a fantastic night for everyone involved in this wonderful production. We can safely say that this vote represents the opinion of the public as the massive crowd in Covent Garden Piazza, where the Awards were screened live, were cheering Sweeney on from the word go. Congratulations from us to the winners and nominees. What a n
Photo courtesy of Gettyimages.com (Where you can find some more pics)ight!
As you may have seen on our Facebook group Michael will be doing an open air concert in August. He will be back at Audley End on Sunday, 4 August. Click the link for ticket and general information.
Michael also just announced via Twitter that he will be hosting The One Show again tomorrow:
Also he received his gold disc for Both Sides Now yesterday while presenting The One Show. Screenshots can be found at our Facebook group. And the clips can be downloaded here. Congratulations, Mr Ball!
Wednesday, 10 April, The One Show, BBC1, 7pm – Michael will present the show with Alex Jones
Also he has been at BBC Radio Scotland yesterday and you can listen again here.
And you can read about him in Woman’s Weekly and Yours Magazine.
Olivier Award Nominations posted:26/03/13
Today the long awaited nominations for the prestigious Olivier Awards have been announced and Team Todd is going strong with a total of six:
Best Actor in a Musical: Michael Balll
Best Actress in a Musical: Imelda Staunton
Best Musical Revival: Sweeney Todd
Best Lighting Design: Mark Henderson
Best Sound Design: Paul Groothuis
Best Costume Design: Anthony Ward
The ceremony will be held on 28 April at the Royal Opera House in London. The awards will be covered on the day by BBC Radio 2 and there will be a highlights programme on ITV 1. For a full list of nominees click here.
As this is right in the middle of “our” leg of the tour we hope to see many of you at Covent Garden to cheer for Team Todd.
Congratulations to everyone! This is so well deserved!
Reminder: Single Release posted:24/03/13
Don't forget to get the single "The Perfect Song" which was released on 18 March for iTunes.
Media News posted:23/03/13
Upcoming TV appearances:
Sunday 24 March, 5:30pm, My Vintage
Wednesday 27 March, am, ITV 1, 10:30am
40 Years of Andrew Lloyd Webber, ITV 1, 6:30pm
Enjoy!
Daily Mail interview posted:01/03/13
There is a lovely interview with Michael about Cathy, his life and the mysterious musical he will be doing. Apparently it will happen during the summer of 2014 and it will happen again at Chichester Festival Theatre. To read the article click here.
QVC Aftershow Interview posted:18/02/13
After his appearance at QVC (we hope to upload the clips tomorrow) Michael gave this little interview:
5 WOS Awards for Michael and Sweeney Todd posted:17/02/13
Congratulations Michael for winning the Whatsonstage Award for the best Actor in a musical. Well done!
UPDATE: And congratulations to Jonathan Kent for best director, Imelda for best actress, Sweeney for best revival and Mark Henderson for best lighting design!!
Whoopwhoop for Team Todd! So well-deserved!
UPDATE No 2:
Photos from the press room can be found at wooler.com.
WOS Awards live streaming online posted:17/02/13
The Whatsonstage Awards will be up tonight at 7pm GMT. You can watch the concert live online. Just click here and enjoy.
Perfect song played on Weekend Wogan - listen again posted:17/02/13
You can tell the release of "Both Sides Now" is nearing. Terry Wogan played "The Perfect Song" during Weekend Wogan. Should you have missed it, you will be able to listen again until next Sunday. Just hop to Weekend Wogan. listen again and jump to 40:20 minutes and the song starts right there.
Both Sides Now - Audio clips on Itunes posted:14/02/13
Itunes offer the chance to listen to short clips of all the songs of Michael's upcoming album. So, if you'd like to listen to it, click here. Hover over the numbers of the songs and a "play" Icon will appear. Click on it and the clip should start after a moment.
Michael's original Marius costume up for auction posted:14/02/13
Yes, it's true. Michael auction off the original Marius costume he wore again at the 10th Anniversary concert in the Royal Albert Hall. We are amazed, shocked and a bit sad to see it go. So, check your cheque books and get bidding. The auction is done in aid of Shooting Star Chase.
Shanghai to go ahead and WOS Awards posted:10/02/13
The mystery has finally been solved. Michael got his visa for China and will be flying out to Shanghai tomorrow and a rather busy week will follow. According to the promoters Michael will be joined by Laura Michelle Kelly. She will sing "I dremed a dream" and "On my Own". Michael will then join her for the duet "All I ask of you" and will be singing his signature songs "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" and "Love Changes Everything" which will close the show.
After the concert on Thursday, 14 February 2013 he exptected to dash home as he is cofirmed to attend the Whatsonstage Theatre Awards on Sunday night, where he is a strong contender to win a price for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd.
So, Michael, for both occasions, break a leg and we will be here thinking of you and keeping our fingers crossed.
Media Appearances posted:03/02/13
Michael's official Facebook page has been updated with media appearances to promote the new album:
Monday 18th February
QVC - FREESAT 800/SKY 640/ FREEVIEW 16/VIRGIN TV 740
Wednesday 20th February
BBC RADIO 4 - Live interview at 9:20am
Friday 22nd February
BBC BREAKFAST - BBC1
Sunday 24th February
SUNDAY BRUNCH - Channel 4
Monday 25th February
LOOSE WOMEN - ITV1
Thursday 28th February
THE ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW - ITV1
Friday 1st March
THE WRIGHT STUFF - Channel FIVE
So set those VCRs and enjoy.
Also he can be heard today when choosing his two favourite tracks from the 70s in "Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s" on BBC Radio 2 at 3pm.
Shanghai concert - to be or not to be posted:23/01/13 updated: 26/01/2013
The rumours were spreading around the internet, that Michael would be doing a concert in Shandhaig, we were expecting something official soon, but there is nothing, so will there be a concert or participation of Michael at a Gala? We don't know. Should there be any news we will let you know.
Original post: Michael is going international again and it's getting very exciting especiallly for his Asian fans, who can manage a Valentine Day trip to Shanghai, China.
It all started with the Twitter rumour that Michael was scheduled to appear in a concert at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on 14 February 2013. No details about tickets etc. are known yet.
Michael's tweet regarding this: Did I mention it looks like I'm off to Shanghai for a Valentine's day concert. Always wanted to visit China.
Both Sides Now Track List posted:23/01/13
We now have the track list for the new album "Both Sides now", which will be released on 25 Fabruary 2013.
Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell, 1967)
Run (by Snow Patrol and Leona Lewis)
Make you feel my love (Bob Dylan and hit for Adele, 2010)
Songbird (Christine McVie, also hit for Eva Cassidy)
Love and Affection (Joan Armatrading, 1976)
Love Don't Live Here Anymore (Rose Royce, 1978)
I Won't Let You Go (James Morrison 2011)
Closest Thing To Crazy (Hit for Katie Melua, 2003)
Love Changes Everything (Michael sings with Il Divo)
I will Always Love You (Hit for Whitney Houston, 1992)
I won't send Roses (Mack and Mabel - already sung at Opening of the Cardiff Millennium Centre - watch the clip here
Fight The Fight (new song by Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson)
The Perfect Song (new song by Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Suddenly (new song for Les Miserables movie)
When She Loved Me (From Toy Story 2)
As soon as we have any more order information we will provide you with it.
Michael's Radio 2 show posted:07/01/13
The news we have been waiting for is finally out. Michael will present his own new radio who on BBC Radio 2. The show will air on Sundays commencing at 7pm. His first show will air on 20 January 2014.
You can read the official press release of the BBC here. At the time we don't have an official title of the show.
UPDATE 11/01/13:
The show will be called "Sunday Night with Michael Ball" and has its own programme page up and running. Have a look!
Also here is some more information from Radio 2's Facebook page:
Michael Ball returns to Radio 2 for his brand new series, offering a blend of music from across the decades. Music from the movies, classic albums, the West End and Broadway, iconic vocalists and contemporary favourites will all be featured alongside nostalgic popular favourites and modern greats.
Each week, 2 classic artists will be inducted into the Singers Hall of Fame. We would like to know which artists you would like to nominate; tell us about why they mean so much to you, what memories their songs hold and why you think Michael should celebrate their life of song and performance.
We would also like to hear about your favourite piece of classical music which may be played as one of Michael's Timeless Classics. It could be a time-honoured piece from Beethoven, Barber or Mozart, or a composition from a modern film score. We would love to hear your suggestions and the reason behind your choice.
Get in touch with Michael by emailing Michael.Ball@bbc.co.uk and share your suggestions with him. In return, he will provide you with the perfect Sunday night experience. This is a show for you.
Further media news:
Michael was the surprise interview guest on Chris Evans' BBC Radio 2 show on Monday and you can still listen to the show here until next Monday. He is on at about 2 hours and 11 minutes.
On 25 January you can see Michael in an episode of John Bishop's "Only Joking" on Sky 1 at 8:30pm.
TV News posted:29/12/12
Exciting news! Michael will appear in the celebrity edition of Who wants to be a Millionaire? to raise money for Shooting Star CHASE.
When? 1 January, 8pm, ITV1
Please remember that Michael ‘s Les Mis special will also air that day (4:50pm, also ITV1).
A Really Welsh Christmas Show , BBC One Wales, 17 December 10:35pm
This programme will feature Michael singing Love Changes Everything and will be repeated on BBC Two Wales on 24 December, 8:30pm
Les Misérables Movie Special (to air 1 January 2013, ITV 1,4:50pm)
Michael was host of a special documentary about the new Les Mis movie and he was also on the red carpet at the world premiere in London on 5 December. You can see a few clips of him here:
Official Calendar 2013 – ready to order
You can now order your MB calendar from Michael's official merchandise shop. Deliveries start from 17 December.
Several second chances:
Christmas Kitchen , Food Network
On 3 December Michael was a guest cook at this show. We cannot be sure as you cannot watch the episode outside the UK but we hope this will work for most of you. Enjoy!
Steve Wright , BBC 2
Michael was interviewed for Steve Wright in the Afternoon and you can listen again here. Michael even reveals a line from his new song.
Today Show , RTE, 7 December
Michael has been a gueast at the Today Show to promote the Cork concerts and you can watch the show on their player.
Media News posted:01/12/12
On Sunday, 2 December, Michael will be interviewed for Cork 96FM radio’s “The Arts House“ show with Elmarie Mawe at 9:20am. You can listen live (and again) here.
No one would pretend that this year was the most adventurous for musicals, and the season ahead already promises a range of titles (Once, The Book of Mormon, and Merrily We Roll Along just for starters) promising far more than most of what was on offer musically during 2012. But by any standards, and at any time, Jonathan Kent's Chichester-spawned revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd was a major achievement and not just for restoring scale and scope to a show that has tended toward downsizing in recent years.
Inheriting roles that can now be said to belong definably to the classical canon, Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton reinvented both their parts, and themselves, anew — a bearded Ball visibly growing up and darkening in range and timbre in front of our eyes as the razor-wielding Sweeney alongside Staunton, a Mrs Lovett at once impish and baleful, as delightful as she was doomed. The actress next takes on the mammoth challenge of Mama Rose in Gypsy: sing out, Imelda!
Not really surprising Imelda Staunton won (deservedly) the award, where she competed with Michael. As she was not there, Michael accepted the award on her behalf. Getty Images posted some lovely photos of Michael at the Guildhall.
Radio Interviews on listen again posted:/1210/12
Michael has been interviewed by Newstalk to promote the Cork concert. Apparently it was a great interview and more intense than most. So you might want to listen to it. He was on Thursday, 11 December 2012. Go to that Day, part 3 and then he is on at about 37 minutes. Use this link.
Lots of concert news posted:/1210/12
Michael will be doing two Christmas Concerts with the Cork Youth Orchestra on 8 and 9 December 2012.
You can either sit in the balcony, which will offer reserved seating or in the stalls, where the seating is unreserved, but you might have several rows reserved in front of you. Get your tickets here.
The followin Thursday, 13 December 2012, Michael will be taking part in a Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall. You can get your tickets here.
Stand up to Cancer pics posted:12/09/12
Michael took part in the Shooting Star Charity Day. You can find some lovely pictures on the Twitter page of Shooting Star Chase.
When we wwere in London for the last week of Sweeney Todd, we heard from a friend that Michael had been photographed on Strand. Of course we had missed it, but we were curious, wanting to see the photos. Well here they are and he is looking gorgeous. Missing the beard!
Vote for Michael and Sweeney posted:04/10/12
More award nominations for Michael and the Sweeney cast and crew. The Broadway World UK Awards 2012 have opened their voting platform. You need to give your e-mail address to start voting. Also you can see the current results on the website.
Sweeney Award Nominations posted:27/09/12
The Award season has started. Not surprisingly Michael has received the first nomination for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd. He is nominated for the UK Theatre Awards, which is presented by the Theatrical Management Association.
Michael and Imelda are both nominated in the same category (Best performance in a musical). They are up against only one other actor (Daniel Evans for Company produced in Sheffield). The ceremony will take place on Sunday 28 October 2012 in the Guildhall in London. So remember that date and keep your fingers crossed for Michael.
Friday Night is Music Night posted:26/09/12
"From Broadway to Hollywood" will feature Michael introducing stars in the making from the Arts Educational School. 13 soloists, a group of 50 piece chorus and a 60 piece orchestra will be conducted by Mike Dixon. They will feature songs from famous musicals like Grease, Funny Girl, My Fair Lady and many more.
You will be able to watch all this live at the Mermaid Theatre in London. Get your tickets here.
Should not you be able to get there, as most of us won't, you will be able to listen to the show live on BBC Radio 2 on 19 October 2012 at 8pm.
Michael at Shooting Star Charity Day posted:11/09/12
Michael took part in the Shooting Star Charity Day. You can find some lovely pictures on the Twitter page of Shooting Star Chase.
Michael took part in the Shooting Star Charity Day. There are a couple of lovely photos of him, Joan Collins and Tony Hadley on Shooting Stars Twitter page. Have a look at their page or go directly to their latest images.
Video message from Sweeney Todd Cast posted:11/09/12
The title says it all really. Have a look and enjoy.
Michael to present Award posted:05/09/12
According to BroadwayWorld.com Michael will be presenting the Sidney Brown Memorial Award at the Mercury Musical Developments 20th Anniversary Gala. This event is held at the Novello Theatre in London on Sunday 14 October. You can book tickets here. There has not been an official confirmation of his appearance yet though.
This Morning .. posted:18/08/12
Michael will be a guest on ITV's This Morning. To see him, be sure to tune in on ITV on the coming Tuesday (21 August). The show will be on from 10:30am till 12:30. Michael usually appears to the end of the show, but to be sure, you should watch it from the beginning.
Leading Man? And more... posted:10/08/12
Sparked by a comment made by Andrew Lloyd Webber on TV WhatsOnStage.com has launched a poll searching for leading men in the West End. Voting is open until Sunday.
Also Michael is supporting this great fundraising event on JustGiving.com. Maybe you will attend the game?
Michael at the O2 Silver Clef Award posted:01/07/12
Last Friday Michael attended the O2 Silver Clef Awards. There are some lovely pics of him around the net. Be sure not to miss them.
First of all: Happy Birthday, Mr Ball! Who would have thought you'd spend this day cutting throats??
This website celebrates it's 12th birthday today. And as the very reason for Justy's existence celebrates a milestone, we thought it would be appropriate to re-launch the brand new design.
This is still an ongoing process so please bear with us. We hope you will like it!
On 22 June we had our one millionth visitor and what can we say? Just wow! Thank you all for your continued support. We heart you all! :-)
Hopefully we will get back to you with all the news from the stage door, as we have finally arrived in London, all ready to celebrate the two birthdays. Let the party begin! :-D
Website Owners: Kerstin Wohlgemuth (Dulmen, Germany) and Julia Sedat (Potsdam, Germany)
This is not an official website. Michael Ball does not own, control, authorize or endorse it, nor is he responsible for its contents. Any emails sent to this website will NOT be forwarded to Michael Ball..
It was a hattrick for Team Todd at yesterdays prestigious Olivier Awards. Team Todd received awards in the three main categories, namely:
