Michael Ball

Michael Ashley Ball was born on 27th June 1962 near Stratford-Upon-Avon. Michael began acting in theatre at a very young age and he ended up studying drama at the Guildford School of Acting where he graduated in 1984.

Michael trained as an actor and has never taken a singing lesson in his life, but being blessed with a beautiful natural singing voice, Michael soon found himself being offered roles in musicals which ended up being the perfect showcase for both his acting and extraordinary singing talent.

Early theatre credits included Godspell and a starring role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance as the Opera house in Manchester where he appeared as Frederic. It was there that Michael was discovered by producer Cameron Mackintosh. After seeing him perform, Cameron invited him to audition for the juvenile lead in a new musical. This new musical was called Les Misérables and the rest, as they say, is history. In 1985 Michael made his West End debut in the legendary musical Les Misérables originating the role or Marius. He subsequently went on to record the London cast Album. He can also be heard on the Complete Symphonic recording and the 10th Anniversary Concert.

Michael began his association with Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1987 when he joined the West End cast of The Phantom of the Opera taking over the role of Raoul from Steve Barton. In 1989, Michael was offered the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspect’s of Love which proved to be the turning point in Michael’s career. He created the role of Alex in London and received rave reviews. He went on to record the original London Cast Album and his single “Love Changes Everything” hit #1 in the UK charts and turned Michael into a household name in England. Michael made his Broadway debut when he was asked to reprise his role as Alex in the 1990 new York Production.

Upon returning from New York, Micael decided to take a break from musical theatre to pursue other interests. He was chosen to represent the United Kingdom in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest which was watched by 600 million people worldwide. He finished in 2nd place with the song “One Step Out Of Time”. Following his success at Eurovision, Michael released his highly anticipated first solo CD, “Michael Ball” which reached #1 in the UK charts. This was followed by six other chart topping solo CDs which have all reached ‘Gold’ status.

His most recent CD, “The Movies” has just been certified ‘Platinum’ and with over 500, 000 copies sold, it is Michael’s most successful album to date. With the release of each album, Michael has embarked on national concert tours in the UK, consistently performing to capacity crowds.

Other credits include the “Rage of the Heart” 1987 concept recording, a 1993 studio recording of ”West Side Story” with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a popular run on ITV in 1993 & 1994 with his television series ”Michael Ball”. In 1995, Michael starred in his first film, ”England, My England”, playing the famous British composer, Henry Purcell. In 1995, Michael was invited to reprise his role as Marius in the Les Misérables Tenth Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Michael made his long awaited return to the West End stage in 1996 originating the role of ‘Giorgio’ in the London production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning musical, ”Passion”.

“Passion” won the 1996 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Musical and a live concert version of the show was made a year later to recapture the outstanding performance of the Original London Cast.

Highlights in 1998 included memorable performances at the “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 50th birthday Celebration Concert” at the Royal Albert Hall. The “Hey Mr. Producer” Concert Gala celebrating the shows of Cameron Mackintosh, and the ”Sondheim Tonight” benefit concert held at the Barbican Centre.

Michael also recorded the track “Unsettled Scores” for the “Whistle Down The Wind” Concept CD.

In February ’99 Michael was presented with the Variety Club of Great Britain Award for Best Recording Artist of 1998. The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards honour the best of British talent in the world of film, television, radio, theatre and music.

Michael also recently received the Theatregoer’s Club of Great Britain Award for Most Popular Musical Stage Actor. The award was made on the basis of sales of the club’s excursions over the years.

In May Michael completed another successful and sold-out UK tour which culminated with his first ever solo European concert held in Amsterdam on 7th May.

In September Michael ended his 1999 concert season with four concerts in Ireland.

On 1st November, fans were able to relive memories of the 1999 tour as Michael released his new video “Michael Ball: Live at the Royal Albert Hall”. A live CD recording was also released and a Christmas CD is due to be released this autumn.

MICHAEL BALL GALLERY

SOLO RECORDINGS

Michael Ball

Always

The Best Of Michael Ball

One Careful Owner

First Love

The Musicals

The Movies

In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

Christmas

CAST RECORDINGS