A Backstage Betrayal: The must-read novel of 2024 from the West End legend and bestselling author

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Michael Ball

A Backstage Betrayal

The must-read novel of 2024 from the West End legend and bestselling author

Michael Ball

$45

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Zaffre
04 February 2025

Theatre management; Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Historical romance

THE THEATRE MAY SEEM GLAMOROUS, BUT SECRETS WAIT BEHIND THE CURTAIN

1926. Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at The Empire. Following a turbulent period Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.

But could Lillian's new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake? Will The Empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star, Stella Stanmore? And what are their enemies in Highbridge planning?

While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, Sally Blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break.

As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there are strange goings on and a plot afoot. Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down? And could this be curtains for The Empire?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this sparkling new Empire Theatre novel.

'A wonderful book. A love letter to the theatre' Rev. Richard Coles

'A fantastic book. Brilliant' Don Black OBE

'A wonderful read' Jeffrey Archer

'A golden debut - charming, funny and romantic' Cameron Mackintosh

'Takes you to the magical world of theatre' Rosie Goodwin

By: Michael Ball
Imprint: Zaffre
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 240mm, Width: 162mm, Spine: 37mm
Weight: 648g
ISBN: 9781804182307
ISBN 10: 1804182303
Pages: 416
Publication Date: 04 February 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums.