Stream: Michael Ball - Heroes
I had some misgivings about watching this streaming of Michael Ball’s ‘Heroes’ Tour, not being a fan of the solo artist show. However, surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable evenings of the whole ‘The Shows Must Go on’ series so far.
From a working-class background, he was never able to study singing and came to the theatre through a visit to take in the RSC’s ‘King Lear’. This led to joining a youth theatre and to the Guildford School of Acting where he busked at weekends to earn extra cash. His breakthrough came when he auditioned for ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at Manchester Opera House, where he was picked out of 600 hopefuls. He swiftly went on to be cast by Cameron Mackintosh as Marius in ‘Les Misérables’ but had to eventually leave because of panic attacks and depression. He overcame this period when he was persuaded by Mackintosh to play Raul in ‘Phantom’, a less pressurised role. From then on his career blossomed and he was cast in ‘Aspects of Love’, Sondheim’s Passion, Lloyd Webber’s ’The Woman in White’, ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang’ and as Edna Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’ for which he won another Olivier Award.
He triumphed in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ with Imelda Staunton, for which they both won Olivier Awards. Also known for representing Great Britain in the 1992 Eurovision contest, his versatility has seen him recently team up with opera-trained Alfie Boe. This hugely successful partnership has resulted in UK-wide Tours, number one Albums and topping the bill at the Royal Variety Performance. Tickets can be booked for Aberdeen and Glasgow Arenas as I write. Along with regular appearance in concert versions of ‘Les Mis’, this Christmas he had a number one hit joining Captain Tom Moore in a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Not to mention his regular radio slots on the BBC, a stint in Coronation Street, starring with Victoria Wood in a musical drama, a guest with New York City Opera and a starring role with English National Opera’s ‘Kismet’
So, for someone who has straddled the musical world and entertainment world, he has an arsenal of experience and vocal strength (perfect pitch) to draw on. This 2011 tour featured solid gold hits from 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, including Tony Bennett, Scott Walker, Neil Diamond and Tom Jones, as well as Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. Outstanding for me were beautiful renditions of Elvis’ ‘Hawaiian Wedding Song’ and Johnny Mathis’ ‘Misty’.
Ball is not a ‘stand and deliver’ singer but has the ability to connect and engage with his audience at all levels. It is not just enough to stand centre-stage with perfect vocals. The important aspect for the audience is to make very word count emotionally and for them to hear the lyrics with perfection. Otherwise, the performance is meaningless. This concert and his performance were a perfect example.
He did not hog the stage but chose to feature his superb band of top calibre ‘musos’ and guest singers. The all had the chance to shine, finishing the first half with terrific style and choreography. The second half was more of what was expected, with a selection of well-known songs from musical shows he had appeared in. I think I would have preferred more of the first half. Of course, there was the inevitable encore and adoration by the audience. I must say I prefer the old show business saying “Leave ‘em wanting more”. If you had purchased tickets for that night you would certainly have come away feeling you had good value for money.
So, I have become a convert to the Michael Ball Fan Club. Anyone who can deliver such a range of songs without a waver, with effortless vocals and stage presence with such heart and a true sense of delight gets my vote.
