The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

Since so many reviewers have summarized the plot of The Empire so nicely, I thought that I might give a different view of the book here. As a writing teacher, let me take you on a journey through the structure of this book that is so much fun to read. It is one thing to have a wonderful idea for a story (and this is a very good story) and another thing to put it into words on a page. Michael Ball is a man of words, and he knew just how to create a story that was easy to read and easy to understand the total world that is, indeed, theatre. In the opening of any story, it is essential to set the scene. The reading audience needs to know where we are and who we are with at all times. Through the eyes of Jack, we learn that the world of the stage has three distinct parts: the Physical building, which houses the magic; the Artistic and Production teams, who create the magic, and Show Business, the money behind the magic. As Jack experiences all of the this so do we. Once this is set up, we move around rather nicely in the theatrical world. This is a long story with many arms and legs to it, but even so, the plot was not so complex that I got lost. I never had to reread pages to see if I had missed anything. I never felt that anything was left out inadvertently or deliberately. The use of chapter breaks, of course, helps here; however, even within the chapters themselves through the changes in the descriptions, the changes in the characters, and most especially, the changes in tone, it was apparent that I was moving forward in the story not in circles. The story does have its predictable moments but, in fact, they play out just exactly the way we want them to play out. Writing is a series of choices. One of the most important choices that an author makes is the language in the piece. Michael made the theatrical world very accessible to us by choosing words readers can readily understand, and when needed, used either characters or descriptions to define any theatre-specific vocabulary. (Of course, as an American, I had to look up two pages of British slang to understand some words even though, I was pretty sure that “mizzle” was “drizzle.” That’s okay – I love all words.) The characters are, by far, the greatest joy in The Empire. In true Dickensian style, Michael gave us a large collection of players to care about and/or dislike. Most of the characters have both distinguishing physical characteristics and personality traits that make them easy to spot. Once drawn and unless they are changed because of the plot, the characters behave as we expect and want them to behave. Some are stereotypical by design, and some are based on stock theatrical characterizations. Best of all, they are an interesting blend of high (upper class) and low (working class) character types. Therefore, their interactions make for a lively read. With all the skill that it took to create the above, the most surprising thing of all about The Empire is Michael’s willingness in a first novel to address contemporary problems. Problems in1920s England (and America, I may add) are issues that have continued until today. Women’s equality under the law was an explosive topic during the early 20th century. The Empire tackles this problem in the strong female characters whose hands are tied by tradition and the mistaken idea that women cannot act, think or function on the same level as men. The women of The Empire are more than up to the task of proving that theory wrong. The character of Billy Barlow brings the increasing mental health dilemma to the surface. For too long, the illnesses of anxiety, depression, panic, and mental hopelessness have been pushed under the rug. As readers, we can understand and accept the pain and fear that the old fish fryer feels when he reveals his past experiences on the stage. Finally, the trauma of war is explored in the characters of Jack Treadwell and Danny Moon. Both men are reluctant to discuss their experiences, but in the wanning chapters of the book, the physical and emotional scars of being in battle are exposed. It is with the gentlest pen that Michael constructed Danny’s character in particular. At this point in the novel, we are made to come to grips with the sad reality that many go into battle as one person and come out of battle as someone completely different.While these are not extensive views of the problems, they are present, nonetheless drawing our attention to them. This was a bit of a risk and I admire Michael for taking it. I loved the book. It was a great read that taught us about the entire world of the theatre and made us think a little about the issues facing us today. I so look forward to the sequel where I can return to The Empire and learn more about that world and maybe even more about my own world as well.Bobbie Costa

Excellent debut novel by Michael ball and hard to put down with a lovely story and warm characters and looking forward to book 2

This is such a joy! Michael Ball loves and knows the theatre, and his enthusiasm and knowledge touches every page, every scene, every character. And he can write! Yes, it's obvious where the story is going, but The Empire is written so much from the heart, that you can just enjoy your journey. Jack and Grace must come back for an encore. Bravo Mr Ball. True, stylish escapism of the highest order.

Wasn't sure what to expect from this book BUT I couldn't put it down. Well written. Can't wait for the sequel in october

When I heard that the talented star of musical theatre Michael Ball, was writing a novel as seems to be the thing to do with so many celebrities, I was of course curious. With his lifetime of experience in this world he has sensibly chosen to use his vast knowledge of the theatre to produce this novel.There is a huge cast of characters to get to know in the storyline all of which play a role, helpfully there is list included at the beginning. It is set in the 1920’s at a time when the world of theatre is struggling to survive, The Empire is no exception. The most important characters in my opinion, amongst the many you will meet are Jack Treadwell and Grace Hawkins. Jack quickly works his way up the theatre management initially starting work there as the stage doorman and Grace, who as the assistant to the theatre manager is so important to the running of the place, that the show would not go on without her. An entertaining story where the drama that goes on backstage only transfers to successful performances thanks to the determination of those that love their theatre.Although I found this to be a well written and informative novel about the world of theatre it sadly left me feeling unmoved, failing to hold my interest and I will not be reading the sequel. Don’t let me put you off reading this though, as if you are a fan of Michael Ball and the world of theatre, it will probably appeal to you.

This was a really enjoyable read. I liked the characters and cared about what happened to them. This would make a great tv series too

The story has a slow start, but that's fine coz you need to get your head around relationships. And sometimes it's nice to ease into things gently. If you're a theatre goer, or buff, or an old drama teacher like myself, the theatrical references are refreshing and exciting. It turns the book from being just another romance into something familiar and warm to read.The players all have back stories and we discover something of their characters as we go along. The text talks of courage, strength, standing up to bullies, trusting in friendship and of course love. So nice to find a couple of gentle love stories instead of everyone jumping into bed with one another.My one criticism is that you could have done more with the "Curtain Calls" Michael! But a nice debut novel and yes I could be tempted to read your next.

When I first heard that he was releasing a book based around the theatre I knew I had to read it. As a massive theatre and Historical Fiction fan it made me excited. The Empire didn't disappoint. There's so many and a lot to keep up with. Its a bit slow at first but it really makes up for it in the second half. You're drawn into life at the theatre, the putting together of a show, the drama the romance. The Empire has it all. Can't wait for the next visit to The Empire.