Michael Ball's debut novel did not disappoint. His love of the theatre came through loud and clear, his characters warmly familiar yet each with a unique personality. The world he created was easy to slip into and I loved my time visiting it. It's an easy jump from pages to the tv screen for this story - I can see a heartwarming Sunday night drama coming up soon.

This is a light hearted romance it is a nice book.

Jack returns a few years after the War having spent a few years in France. He ends up at The Empire Theatre where he quickly works his way up from being the doorman and forms a friendship with the people who work in the theatre especially Grace.

It was a sweet romantic book and I enjoyed it . The description of the theatre is good and makes you think you were there.

Glitz, glamour, scandal and bitter rivalries fill the Empire, as Jack Treadwell gradually comes to realise in this glittering novel by Michael Ball.

What an absolute treat a visit to The Empire was! I had a feeling any book by Michael Ball would be light and infinitely entertaining and of course we were safe in the knowledge that he knows the theatre, but it really is a joy.

A frothy post first war romance, filled with champagne sipping actresses, plucky ex military men, cads, matriarchs and ingenues with the odd newspaper man and theatre magnate thrown in for good measure. You can hear the piano and hear the dance shoes tapping on the boards.

I fell in love with the characters and could easily visualise them. The story clipped along at a fair old pace. This is not high drama and even the more violent elements were treated gently, but the characters are so vividly painted. I saw the big secret coming from afar but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment.

I could definitely see this being made into a successful teatime drama series, with a wonderful British cast!

The storyline was a good one, with lots of threads that all came together well, although most of the twists were easy to guess well ahead of the reveals. There was a satisfying ending which left it open for me to think there may be a second book. I loved all the glamour and glitz alongside the hard work and greasepaint, the touches of romance, the devious characters and the triumph of good over bad. A perfect musical in itself! The book doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is - a good lighthearted read perfect for a sunny holiday or for wrapping yourself in a blanket on the sofa with a hot drink. Very enjoyable. Giving it four stars!

Lovely book to read on a Sunday afternoon curled up in an armchair.

Loved the characters and how the story unfolded with the links between them all. Great book!

I've admired Michael Ball for many years, and I've been lucky enough to see him sing live, so I was both excited and nervous when I discovered that he had written a novel. Excited as it's THE Michael Ball and nervous as just because he's a successful singer and actor doesn't mean he'll be a good author. I needn't have been nervous at all though as there really is no end to Michael Ball's talent; we all know that he can sing but he sure can write too!

The Empire is set in 1922 when going to the theatre is perfect escapism following the horror of the Great War. Jack Treadwell returns from the war to find that his parents have both passed away and he needs to find himself a job. Jack turns up at The Empire theatre at just the right time as they have a vacancy for a stage doorman and he is given the job on the spot.

Jack fits in so well and he quickly comes to love The Empire theatre as much as the other longstanding employees. So, when rival theatre owner Joe Allerdyce makes it known that he wants to add The Empire to his collection (by fair means or foul), Jack and his colleagues set out to save the theatre. They come up with the most brilliant and ingenious ideas that had me laughing out loud and giving virtual rounds of applause.

It's quite a busy plot with a large cast of colourful characters but it never gets confusing and there's a handy character list at the start of the book if you do need to refer back to it. I am so impressed by the writing; every scene is so vividly portrayed that I felt as if I was there, front and centre watching the wonderful productions.

Filled with skulduggery and glamour, The Empire is incredibly entertaining from start to finish and I absolutely LOVED it. It’s so good that I almost forgot to drink my cup of tea, I was so engrossed in the story; that’s definitely the mark of a good book in my case as I love a cuppa!

It's a fantastic debut novel and I hope it's the first of many, if Michael Ball can find time in his busy schedule to write them. I think the film rights will immediately get snapped up and if The Empire isn't made into a film, I really will eat my hat. Bravo, Mr Ball.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Bit of a curiosity for me but really enjoyed this

I absolutely loved this book. Mr Ball’s description of the going’s on behind the scenes in the theatre world is very realistic, with believable characters throughout. I recommend it to anyone who is either a Michael Ball fan, or a fan of theatre life.

What a wonderful first novel from the multitalented Michael Ball about the post World War One world of musical theatre when the people were looking for some sort of emotional lift after the horrors of war. Set in a theatre where the owner Lord Lassitor has recently died and his second wife, the stage actress Lady Lillian Lassiter has relinquished her grasp on the running to her step grandson Edmund and a dodgy manager Alexander Mingrove. When Jack Treadwell eventually returns from Paris after extending his post-war stay his parents are both dead,but he is left a scrapbook with the instruction to go to the Empire and seek Lady Lillian's support. As he arrives at the Empire he is taken for someone applying for a post and through a series of events and meeting the dynamic Grace Hawkins who one handedly runs everything; he is soon established as a key member of staff. Michael adds to the story some scandalous cover-ups, glitz, glamour and excentric players to make for an enjoyable and well paced novel. Brilliantly weaving the story whilst managing a score of well described characters and he brings it all to a perfect climax. Michael's knowledge of the theatre of the twenties and the sort of people who inhabited the stage is skillfully drawn upon.to make a perfect read!

It's a fascinating book as you can feel how well the author knows the theatre world and how much he loves it.
It's a well plotted and compelling historical novel, entertaining and intriguing. The characters are well developed and the plot is gripping.
i can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The Empire is the story of a theatre, of it’s productions, it’s history, it’s owners and it’s actors and actresses, stage hands, doorman, right down to the man who sells the tickets.

Jack Treadwell has spent the immediate years after the First World War in Paris. Now he returns home. He finds something at The Empire and he is drawn into the world of theatre both from the audience side and behind the stage. A world he never knew existed and could be part of.

Grace Hawkins is the managers assistant, but the manager is rather lacking and it seems a lot of the work falls to Grace. Even more so when she finds herself rewriting the most dreadful production of Macbeth.

Add in Stella the leading lady, Lance the heartthrob, Bill the washed up variety act, Ruby the musician, Evie the fading star and Lady Laisster a former showgirl herself and part owner of The Empire.

Whilst the show must go on, there is much else that is happening within the theatre and the book. The list of characters at the beginning is somewhat daunting (always completely useless I find when reading only kindle) and I waivered about carrying on as it seemed there was too many people and too much to fit in. I didn’t waiver and got consumed by life in the theatre and the romance of working on a production.

Of course it was never going to be easy. Rivalries both family and business do not seem to be resolved and there is an undercurrent of gangsters and the after affects of a war that are still being felt by everyone. With drama and romance comes humour and this is obviously an affectionate look at life in a theatre in age gone past. It was a great look at the past and anything which has a ‘behind the scenes’ element always will hold an interest for me. But too much was packed into this book, and at times it wasn’t clear where the focus was meant to be in terms of plot. That left me feeling a bit seen off when some of the more minor characters could have been fleshed out and added to the main plot line. Perhaps secondary lots could have been left for future books especially when the ending was as spectacular as it was.

This is Michael Ball’s debut novel and I understand we will get to know more about all these characters in a follow up. The cynic in me is never sure when famous (for something other than writing fiction) people start churning out novels. However, I could quite easily forget all that to be absorb in a good story to escape from the reality of everything around us – which is what going to theatre has always done. On that note, it is a job well done.

4.5*

Write what you know they say. And Michael Ball, a star of musical theatre for over 30 years has certainly done that. The Empire is a glitzy production with an enormous cast and an authentic story that gives a greater idea of just how much work goes into every production, both on stage and behind the scenes.

The main stars are Jack Treadwell, who when coming home after the war with no real career or focus in mind, finds himself in the Yorkshire town of Highbridge and more particularly, The Empire theatre where having fallen for the whole idea of working in a theatre, begs for a job and becomes their doorman. The Empire, jointly owned by Sir Edmund Lassiter, (the less said about him, the better) and his recently widowed step-grandmother, Lady Lassiter, is an imposing character all on its own and the descriptions of the old theatre with its showy front of house and less glamorous backstage areas are superb.

Grace Hawkins, the manager’s assistant also takes centre stage and really the show couldn’t go on without her. Jack may prove to be a Jack of all trades with his enthusiasm sometimes being more of a hinder than a help but his engaging manner, charm and people skills endear him to most people however it is quiet, and often stressed Grace who attempts to keep the show on the road. There is an obvious chemistry between them which is very nicely done and not overplayed.

This isn’t just about a theatre show, there is so much more to the story – it’s about people, families, greed and money and sometimes touches on the darker side of life and includes strands of jealousy and sabotage, gangsters and secrets – and this is all off stage. There is plenty of drama the entire way through, with even some of the supporting characters having their time under the spotlight.

At the beginning of the book is a cast list. It is rather large, listing every single person that appears in the story and I have to admit to feeling rather daunted at first. However this list is extremely useful to refer back to if needed (I was reading a Kindle version and it would be even easier in the print form) but once I got into the story, the characters and their personalities were so well defined that I had no issues at all. I had my favourites, Jack and Grace obviously, but also the older Agnes de Montfort; independent and feisty, she was certainly a force to be reckoned with!

This is Michael Ball’s debut novel and the first in the series. Assuming this is all his own work (which I shall unless told otherwise), he does write extremely well and I was very impressed. There is a warmth to the writing and his knowledge and passion for the theatre comes through clearly. I had a few wobbles initially, mainly whilst I got to grips with the many characters and how they fitted in but once in the groove I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next in the series. It’s a sumptuous story full of drama with some lighter touches of humour and romance. Definitely recommended.

Just when you think that Michael Ball cannot be a better person than he is, you read this and think, is there anything this man cannot do? Loved every minute of this book and would absolutely recommend

Michael Ball’s debut novel comes with a huge cast of characters and his love of the theatre.

The Empire is a book that gives an updated spin on an old fashion mystery from the 20’s which is interesting considering the it is set in this time period. The plot is well plotted and though there seems to be some confusion with the multitude of characters, it does sort itself out and eventually becomes easier to delve into this world.

The characters are well drawn and because there is a large cast there is some confusion but as their personalities start to shine through, they become more endearing and more placeable. This is huge challenge for a first novel and Ball is able to do this with great artistry and knowledge. They are three dimensional and pretty and able to be related to which over the course the mystery endears you to each of them.

The plot is well spaced and sorted. Ball gives the story time to breath within its 1920’s aesthetic and he opens the minds and eyes of the reader as they enter this world. It is very evident that Ball has a love of his subject material and there are some nice touches of Christie and mystery to keep things ticking along. He also ensure that a dry wit carries through to give a nodding wink to those in the know.

Overall, this is a very good read and one that is appropriate for all generations and one of those books that will probably be a great Christmas present for the perfect reader as it doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.

This attracted my attention for 1) Michael Ball and 2) such a beautiful cover. It took time to get into because there are so many characters to get to grips with, but a lovely story, well written and with great charm.

Gloriously decadent, glamorous and filled with heaps of backstage glitter! The Empire features a huge cast of characters which are tricky to keep up with at times, but all of the wit, glitz and romance you'd expect from the effervescent author. If you adore the theatre you will LOVE this - perfect for the broadway babies in your life!

It’s 1922 and Jack Treadwell Finds himself entranced by the glamorous world of the theatre. On the surface all is well, but tensions and secrets lie beneath the glitz of The Empire. Getting a job there is the dream he didn’t realise he had. Beautiful stars and behind the scenes rivalries draw him in and he finds himself with a chance of a great future – and the love of a wonderful woman.

Michael Ball sets the scene well. His writing is cinematic and I can easily imagine the story being filmed. I found the whole world of the theatre enthralling. I was interested in what went on in putting on a show.

It was a good story with interesting characters, and had a very different setting – one that I hadn’t read before. I loved the characters, especially Jack, Grace, Lillian and Agnes . There was a charming camaraderie and ultimately a feel good factor. I loved it .

I was given this ARC for review.

Jack Treadwell is back from the war and tries his luck at The Empire theatre for a job. He walks right into the job of doorman and meets and is entranced by Grace, the theatre manager in all but name. Pretty soon they are backs to the wall trying to save the theatre from the clutches of Joe Allerdyce, who wants it for his own. But little do they know there is more trouble in store for The Empire family, the stage is set for high drama and maybe a little bit of love too.

Well this book from Mr Michael Ball was just a revelation! Pitch perfect, full of glamour, riveting, entertaining and kept me totally entranced.

‘It seems to me that some skulduggery is afoot. Would you agree, young man?’

It really is a glorious read, the characterisation is wonderful, the details as you would expect from theatre legend Ball are immaculate and it is just so engaging and entertaining. I was rooting for Jack and Grace from the off and booing Joe Allerdyce from my sofa, although I did come to love him and was booing Edmund instead…why are villains always called Edmund?

‘I do love a good crisis. Come on then, my little cherubs.’

Such a compelling read, this will be a perfect Sunday evening drama for sure. You can smell the greasepaint, feel the joy and hear the music as you read, there is so much going on; dodgy dealings, long lost loves, secrets and lies and everything in between, it’s BRILLIANT!

Take a bow Mr Michael Ball, this is joyous, here’s hoping for a few encores!

The Empire theatre, a group of dedicated employees fighting to save its life. Add in a bit of intrigue, money laundering and romance, and you have an enthralling storyline. I really enjoyed Michael Ball's debut novel.