Michael Ball

Michael Ashley Ball, OBE, is a British singer, actor and broadcaster. Born 27th June 1962, he is renowned for his work in musical theatre. Making his debut in the West End in 1985, he took on the role of Marius in the original “Les Miserables” London production. In 1987, he played Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera. His single “Love Changes Everything” climbed to #2 in the UK singles chart in 1989. This song was from “Aspects of Love” the musical in which he played Alex in Broadway and London. 

Ball was in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992 where he represented the UK and finished 2nd with the song “One Step Out of Time”. He reprised the role of Marius in 1995 in Les Miserables: The Dream Cast in Concert. He is the winner of two Oliver Awards for Best Actor in a Musical; for his performance as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray in 2008, and 2013 for his role in the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 

In the 2015 Birthday Honours, his services to musical theatre earned him the “Officer of the Order of the British Empire. 

Theatre:

His theatre credits include Passion (1996); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002); Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2004); The Woman in White (2005); Kismet (2007); Chess (2018). 

TV:

His television appearances include Would I Lie to You (2012, 1 episode); Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (2016, 1 episode); The Grand Tour (2017, 1 episode); Friday Night With Jonathan Ross (2010, 1 episode). 

Music:

He has a long list of solo albums, which include Michael Ball (1992); One Careful Owner (1994); The Movies (1998); A Love Story (2003); Music (2005); One Voice (2006); Past and Present: The Very Best of Michael Ball (2009); Both Sides Now (2013); Coming Home to You (2019).