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Latest News
There is a new interview with Michael in the Daily Mail. It has some interesting news about the ratings of Michael's chat show, which are brilliant. Furthermore he talks about his upcoming album and the tour and last but not least about Cathy. Hope you will enjoy it.
Don't forget to watch ITV1 tomorrow at 3pm for Michael's first chat show. Read here, who his first guests will be: Monday, 16 August 2010: Katie Price and Les Dennis Tuesday, 17 August 2010: Katie Derham, Russ Abbott, The Saturdays Wednesday, 18 August 2010: Bernard Crippins, Joanna Lumley, Adam Garcia Thursday, 19 August 2010: Christopher Biggins, Jennie McAlpine Friday, 20 August 2010: Konnie Huq, Omid Djalili Monday, 23 August: Colin and Justin, Jimi Mistry, Ellie Goulding Michael will be singing during the first Monday show and on Friday, 20 August.
As you all know by now Michael starts recordings of his own TV chat show today. They will be aired from next week on and therefore you should have your eyes on the TV magazines for mentions and interviews with Michael. We will try and post them all here. The first one you can find on the The TV Choice website. Have a look and enjoy. The Sun TalkTalk
To promote his upcoming TV show Michael will be making some appearances on telly. For now we know about these two: The One Show, BBC1, Friday 13 August, 7 pm This Morning, ITV1, Monday 16 August, 10:30 am Furthermore, we are delighted to let you all know that Michael will give a very special charity concert in aid of the Shooting Star Children's Hospice. It will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London (where he first appeared in as Alex in Aspects of Love) on Sunday 10 October. Tickets are priced between 65£ and 75£ and are available at Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and Platinum Package deals at Ticketmaster.
After many speculations and rumours it has now been confirmed that Michael will be appearing at the (for now) last venue of the tour: The Bristol Hippodrome. Hairspray will be on from 12 - 30 April 2011. Tickets can be booked here. Hope to see many of you at the last night!
Following the articel (with pic) on Shooting Star's 5th birthday you can also watch a clip in YouTube with interviews and bits from the big birthday bash. Michael speaks at about 6:20 minutes.
Michael will be appearing on "Saturday Night with Miriam" to promote his concert in Killruddery House. The show will be aired at 9.30 pm on RTÉ. So be sure to tune in, if you have the chance.
On Sunday, 29 August, Michael will be performing at Killruddery House in Ireland. You can find out all about the venue here. Ticket prices are vary between 49,50 € (that's about 40 Pounds) and 105 € (that's about 85 Pounds). The concert is fully seated. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, 2 July, at 9 am. Click here to order. Fingers crossed for a dry day!
We all certainly have been anxious to hear something more about Michaels upcoming chat show. Today there is a small article in the Sun: Or see it in The Sun. >
We just got an e-mail from Mr Nick Micouris who is working on the "5 O'Clock Show" (he recruits TV audiences, his company is called Lost in TV). He said Michael will be a guest there and the recording would be on Monday, 12 July from 12:15 - 2:15 pm and what they still need is fans in the audience. He asked whether we could help him there. So, anyone up for a TV recording? Just apply online via the given link.
Again Michael has been interviewed. This time he was interviewed for BBC Radio Solent on Tuesday of this week. The interview was aired on Wednesday. You should be able to listen again. Enjoy
Michael has been interviewed on BBC 1 South. It's just a short promotional bit for Hairspray, but you will surely enjoy it. Have a look here.
Thanks to the Fan Club we can tell you that Michael will be on TV twice today (13 May):
Michael Ball and Les Dennis have been interviewed on STV's "The Hour". You can see the video clip either using Windows Media Player or via Youtube. Be aware that the video clip is rather huge and will take some time to download.
Some TV news to mark in the diary:
We are still catching up with the news. Sorry to be a bit late with this. Michael gave an interview to The Stage wich is available as a download from iTunes or as MP3 file. Check out their website to hear what he has to say about Edna and being a producer.
We just got the heads up for a piece taken from the Guardian. Michael speaks in depth about Stephen Sondheim. Describing what makes him so special and why he enjoys his work so much. Be sure to read it.
MPEG 4 File (works on my computer with the QuickTime Player) WMV File (Windows Media Player)
Wales Online released an interview with Michael's Tour Wilbur Les Dennis which is full of wonderful quotes about working on Hairspray and with Michael. Also there is a little video on the upcoming Hairspray opening in Cardiff. Visit their website for the video and interview, which also can be found on our Interview pages.
Nichola Heywood Thomas interviewed Michael for the BBC Radio Wales Arts Show. This will be aired today, on Thursday 25 March at 6:30 pm. When you are in the UK you can listen to the interview by clicking on the player embedded on the BBC's Blog .
Guess what: we managed to upload a video of the "Loose Women" interview from this afternoon.It seems picture and sound are not 100 % synchron. Sorry for that. Will try to improve that tomorrow, but just to let you see it: Let's have a try:
UPDATE (21/03/10): Gill and Maureen from the Fan Club have talked to Michael's management. Shrek is not on, Sweeney still is. Phew. When I saw it in New York, it looked fantastic, and had some incredible illusions and costumes - but not one memorable song. Since then, however, I'm told the book has been extensively re-written with new numbers. I sure hope so. Actually, there was one fun song about flatulence sung by Shrek and Princess Fiona that should go down a gas on the London stage. But if the producers can come to a deal with Ball, who will be asking for something in the range of £40,000 to £50,000 a week, then they will have a major draw. As he proved with Hairspray, Ball knows how to attract punters. After he left that show, ticket sales dropped. The clever thing about Ball is that even though he was in a frock and a fat suit, an essential humanity came through and, more importantly, audiences believed in his Edna Turnblad. The thing about Shrek on Broadway was that I felt nothing for the poor green chap from the swamp. Ball will at least allow us to empathise with Shrek, and that's going to be half the battle. I don't know where this Shrek move will leave Sweeney Todd, which Ball and Imelda Staunton were to have done at Chichester next year. There were rumblings that it wasn't going to come together anyway. We'll see. Meanwhile, the Shrek producers, including Sam Mendes for Neal Street Productions, have to find a venue. They've looked at the Palladium, which won't be available. They've also been to the Palace, which might be free next year, as I'm hearing the musical version of the film Ghost might not be ready in time (book and score problems). And perhaps Oliver! might have ended its run at the Theatre Royal, Drury lane.
On 19 June (Saturday) Michael will once more be appearing at the Hampton Court Festival. Official relase date for the tickets is 22 March. Happy booking everyone!
Just have a look at this link . If and I am sure we will find more pics, we will keep you posted of course. Daily Mail article including picture of Michael and Cathy .
Okay, we never tried this, but with some luck it might work and you will be able to watch Michael on Jonathan Ross.
And now the second part :-):
Irish television is much nicer to us oversea fans than BBC. RTE has the Late Late Show from yesterday available to watch online AND you can even see it outse Ireland. So click here and enjoy Michael who will enter the stage after 1:14 hours. Enjoy.
Our favourite vampire Stephen Moyer (from True Blood, who was on Jonathan Ross as well) was interviewed by George Lamb on BBC Radio 6 this morning. At the end of the lovely interview they shortly spoke about Michael (and Gaga). Maybe not interesting for many of you, but all those True Blood fans would surely love this to to happen. Stephen said:
Side remark for True Blood fans: You will be in for a treat. Stephen will play the piano and sing during episode 5 or 6 of the second series. He does incredibly well! If you want to listen to the whole interview click here. Thanks to All Stephen Moyer .com for sharing the interview.
In addition to Baz Bamingboye's article published at the beginning of November we just found another blog that mentions Sweeney Todd will open in Chichester in Spring 2011 and afterwards move into the West End. It reads:
Ireland is going to vote for their Eurovision Song Contest entry during the Late Late Show on RTE One. On their site they announced Michael Ball would be due to appear in tonights show. So be sure to check it out. It will be on air at 10:35 pm on RTE One
Just have a look at RexFeatures.
We just learned in a blog what Michael said during the Jonathan Ross interview. Quote: " He reveals he'll star in title role of Sweeney Todd next year and confirms a new chat show." Be sure not to miss it tomorrow at 10:35 pm on BBC One. Follow the links to the initial blogs giving this information: Link 1 and Link 2
The longawaited air date for Michael's up, close and personal interview with Dolly Parton has been announced. Next Tuesday (9 March) at 10:30 pm you can hear the first 60 minutes of "A Date With Dolly: Michael Ball Meets Dolly Parton". The series, which coincides with the release of Dolly's CD and DVD package 'Live From London,' breaks loose from the familiar "life story" approach to this Nashville superstar. Instead, in a long and revealing conversation, Ball finds out what makes Parton tick, how she keeps her family life private, how she became a canny businesswoman and how even she takes the wig off sometimes. Also in tonight's first part, Dolly talks about why she turned down Elvis and how she went about writing songs for the Broadway production of her hit movie '9 To 5.' Plus live versions of 'Jolene,' 'Two Doors Down' and the song she reveals as her personal favourite from her catalogue.
The Ultimate Movie Toons on ITV 1, which we told you about earlier, has been postponed until 28 March. But at least we do have Jon Ross to look forward to (Michael and Vampire Bill in one show!).
Now, how much would we love to live in the UK? Very much in general, but next weeks Jonathan Ross show is one we really hate to miss. Michael Ball (surprise) will be one of Jonathans guests on the show that will air on Friday 5 March 2010 at 22:35 on BBC One. We guess it is to promote the start of the Hairspray tour at the end of March. In addition Jonathan will have Lady Gaga and our second man in line, Stephen Moyer, star of True Blood which second series will be aired in the UK soon. If you like vampire stuff it's just
On his Twitter Account Phillip Schofield mentioned that Michael would be one of the show's guests today. As these things change as they go we won't bet our lives on it, but advise to tune in just in case. The show is braodcast on ITV 1 between 10:30 and 12:30 am.
According to an article of The Sun Michael will be appearing as a judge on Dancing on Ice this Sunday. They also cover the possibilty of him sharing a chatshow slot with Alan Titchmarsh (founded on the recording of the pilot on Wednesday). It remains to be seen whether any of this will actually be officially confirmed, but we thought to share this article with you nevertheless.
ITV1 has announced that Michael will be among those performing in a new TV show called
‘Ultimate Movie Toons' , celebrating beloved animated classics. Themost famous tunes will eb sung by various artists. Definitely one to watch out for. The transmission date is set for Saturday 27 February.
Every year The Stage issues a Top 100 list of who they think are the most influential people in UK theatre. This year they asked the general public who they think should be included in the top 20 of most influential people. More than 1800 people contributed their suggestions. The Stage - Reader's Top 20 2. Matthew Bourne, choreographer/director 3. Arlene Phillips, choreographer/director 4. Michael Ball, actor 5. Ian McKellen, actor 6. Tania Harrison, Latitude festival 7. Rachel Tackley, English Touring Theatre 8= Alan Bennett, writer 8= Daniel Kramer, director 10= Antonio Pappano and Monica Mason, Royal Opera/Royal Ballet 10= Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells 12. Carlos Acosta, dancer 13. Kerry Michael, Theatre Royal Stratford East 14= Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer/producer/theatre owner 14= Jude Law, actor 16= Alan Ayckbourn, writer 16= Nicholas Hytner, National Theatre 16= Cameron Mackintosh, producer/theatre owner 19. Michael Grandage, Donmar Warehouse 20= Sonia Friedman, producer 20= Rachel Weisz, actor
In the evening he attended the premiere of Abbaworld in Earls Court. Abbaworld is a touring exhibition circling around Abba (of course) which had its world premiere in London yesterday (for information click here) See red carpet photos of Michael via the following links:
Michael's Dolly Parton interview was moved to Tuesday, 26 January (it's still on ITV1's This Morning from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm).
Michael's much anticipated interview with Dolly Parton will be shown at ITV1's This Morning on Monday, 25 January. The show is on weekdays from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
A little blast from the past: When you click on the link it will lead you to a video of the Broadway cast of Aspects of Love performing Love Changes Everything at the Tony Awards in 1990. A very young Michael in very fine voice. Enjoy!
With life being a bit hectic in this part of the woods we apologise for a bit of a delay in bringing you up to date. Now here is a news round:
Here is a link to a video of Michael visiting the Shooting Star Children's Hospice and talking about the concert on 12 December.
Michael will make an appearance in BBC2's Never Mind the Buzzcocks on 2 December. The show will be on at 10 pm.
As some of you may already have noticed Michael is now a fully-fledged twitter-er. You can read his tweets here.
An article by the ever very well informed Baz Bamigboye today reads very interesting indeed. But please bear in mind that nothing is confirmed yet. Still, this was too good not to share it with you: By Baz Bamigboye Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton are lining up to make a killing. The two stars have agreed to lead a new production of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sweeney Todd into the Chichester Festival Theatre and then the West End. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have to wait until the spring of 2011 before director Jonathan Kent gets it onto the boards in West Sussex. Both actors have their dance cards full to bursting till then. Imelda has already worked on Cranford Christmas, done a small role in Mike Leigh's new film and has other projects to take her through to the end of next year. Michael is doing his concert shows and performing in Hairspray on the road through this year, where he's getting £30,000 a week (and more) as star and co-producer. Kent has spent months, on and off, talking with the two actors about playing the demon barber of Fleet Street, who killed his customers, and Mrs Lovett, who turned them into pies. Michael has long been a fan of Sondheim's. He starred in the London premiere of Sondheim's musical Passion with Maria Friedman (the Donmar's doing it next year) and he has recorded Not While I'm Around from Sweeney Todd, although in the show the number's actually sung by Mrs Lovett. Sweeney Todd won't be officially announced till late next year, but the two leads had to be approached well in advance in order to be certain of their services. The musical for next year's Chichester season hasn't been decided yet. Barnum was to have gone there, but there have been problems casting the show. Indeed, at one point Ball's name was in the frame. But it's not happening now. Instead, I'm hearing rumours that a re- configured Half A Sixpence might find its way to Chichester - but talks about rights and re-writes are continuing before a firm decision is made.
Michael did an interview with Shine Magazine. This magazine is produced by Shooting Star Children Hospice, which Michael has been supporting for several months now. You can download the magazine here. Michael's Interview is on pages 16 and 17.
To promote the new DVD, Michael will be doing several promotional TV appaerances. As always these are subject to change and he might pop up all over the place in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
With being on tour we are a bit behind on the newsfront. Sorry about this. But better late than never. Exciting news! Michael will be doing two charity concerts this year. One will be on 12 December at Feltonfleet School in Cobham, Surrey, for The Shooting Star Children's Hospice. Tickets are currently sold out but you can be put on a waiting list. We also got contacted by Amy Marland from the Friends United Network who asked us let you all know about Michael's appearance at the Swing on a Star concert on 22 November at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Here is her e-mail with all the contact details. "Dear Kerstin and Julia,
I am including some details of our very exciting Charity Cabaret Night taking place on Sunday 22nd November. I would be very grateful if you could display this event on your website and inform your members. Charity Cabaret Night · Event Name: Swing on a Star · Charity Cabaret Night with a fantastic line up of stars guests including* Michael Ball, Dame Judi Dench, Anna Friel, Jonathan Pryce and musical support from The Rat Pack's Back.
The Glaswegian has a competition to win tickets for Michael's Glasgow concert. If you want to enter visit their site.
Michael just appeared on The One Show on BBC1. If you are in the UK and you missed it you will be able to watch the show again until the coming Friday (18 September). Just follow this link.
Tomorrow morning Michael will appear on Lorraine's sofa at GMTV on ITV1 between 8:30 am and 9:25 am. Don't miss their website with some nice pics.
Thanks to the Fan Club we now have an updated tour dates list up and running. The Cardiff dates are still waiting to confirmation though. So bear that in mind when planning your travels.
STOP THE PRESS!! Finally we are free to tell you the exciting news: Michael will reprise the role of Edna Turnblad for some venues of the Hairspray UK TOUR in 2010! And not only does he star in it (or parts of it), but he is also rising to a new challenge and is from now on “associate producer” for Stage Entertainment, the UK production company of Hairspray. Apparently there is loads to expect from this creative coalition, as a musical revival is being talked about for 2011 and lots of new and exciting opportunities for the man himself: “I'm hoping it will be a new and ongoing venture for me as producer and leading man and there are other shows I would like to be involved with on the production and directing side.” (WalesOnline.co.uk.) An announcement as to the other members of the touring company is expected for Friday 14 August, so keep your eyes peeled! The tour will open in Cardiff (with Michael as Edna) and these are the venues he will be playing (for now…): Cardiff Millennium Centre: 30 March – 24 April Glasgow Clyde Auditorium: 27 April – 8 May Southampton Mayflower: 11 – 29 May Manchester We will add all the relating interviews and press reports bit by bit. Please bear with us, today has been utter madness.
Ben James-Ellis (the original London Link Larkin) has been interviewed by Scarborough Evening News. He finally confirmed he will be joining Michael on tour this September / October. Confirmed as well is the gorgeous Adrian Hansel (Seaweed). If you want to read the interview with Ben click here.
As today (17 July ) is Fern's last show on This Morning, it might be advisable to check the programme out for a certain celebrity well-wisher.... ITV 1, 10:30 am - 11:25 am.
In today's ( 5 July ) issue of the Sunday Express is an articel on Michael. So off to the newsstand everyone!
Due to our travels we are a bit behind on the news front. Apologies for that. So here goes:
Michael will be making an appearance on ITV's This Morning on 26 June . The show is on from 10:30 am - 11:25 am . Enjoy!
We have all known for a while now that Michael was planning to film one of his tour concerts later this year. When talking to him he said it won't be the Albert Hall because he been there, done that and that the big halls were the better filming locations for technical reasons. Today the Fan Club confirmed that indeed one of the big arena shows will be filmed (and what a special night it will be): the concert at the Cardiff International Arena (on 8 October).
The Fan Club informed us that Michael will be talking to Jonathan Ross today ( 30th )on BBC Radio 2. It airs between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm . Enjoy!
The Fan Club informed us that Michael will be interviewed for BBC Radio Lincolnshire today ( 17th ) for the Marie Richmond programme. It airs between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm (interview supposed to be on after 2 pm ). So this won't collide with Sunday Brunch.
Michael is busy promoting the summer concert (and the tour and his last night in Hairspray) after his recent holiday. So be all ears for the regional radio stations. He has already been n air at Radio Kent's Pat Marsh and also at Daytime with Danny & Lou on Radio Oxford. There will be more to come. As these interviews happen quite spontaneously we are sorry to only being able to tell you to watch out for him and not to give exact dates and times.
This show on Gold Radio celebrates the charts twenty years ago. They feature the hits of the year and do an interview with Michael as he was number 2 in February 1989 with "Love changes Everything". The show airs just now (8 pm - 10 pm), but it is going to be repeated on Tuesday (14 April, between 10pm and 12am) . Be sure to listen to it via this link.
Michael will be a guest in today's ( 1 April ) Simon Mayo show on BBC Radio, 5 Live, which is on between 1 and 4 pm. The Fan Club annouced he should be on at around 2:30 pm . Find our more about the show here . In today's ( 5 July ) issue of the Sunday Express is an articel on Michael. So off to the newsstand everyone!
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