CityLife

From Phantom to Hairspray, Michael loves having a ball

FLAMBOYANT: Ball in Hairspray

POPULAR musical star and television as well as radio presenter, Michael Ball is undoubtedly a charmer.

But sorry girls, he’s already been taken by long-term, live-in partner Cathy McGowan, one time presenter of Ready, Steady, Go! who is 20 years his senior.

Bet you already knew that. But did you know that Michael’s a grandfather? Albeit, by proxy. Michael roars with laughter when I tease him about Cathy’s two grand-children and then admits.

“Next to Cathy, they’re the best things that could have happened to me. We’ve just returned from a holiday in the south of France and we’ve had such fun.

"Although home is in London, because that’s where the work is, we’ve bought a house on the south coast and try to get down there at weekends. The kids love it – they’re a delight. And I still get to visit my dad in the Lake District.”

I first spotted Michael many moons ago at the Opera House when, in competition with 600 other hopefuls, he won his first major role as Frederic in the American production of The Pirates of Penzance. I said in my review that a star was born.

“I’ll never forget that Manchester discovered me,” smiles Michael.

Over the years our paths have crossed several times and Michael’s fans will be delighted to know that the twinkle in his eye as well as the famous dimples remain.

Mind you, we haven’t seen much of them lately because they’ve been concealed by layers of latex foam in two major West End roles as the obese Count Fosco in The Woman In White and as the larger than life matriarch, Edna Turnblad, in Hairspray, which arrives in Manchester next year and which I can highly recommend.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” Michael enthuses.

“Although it’s received critical acclaim in London, I know that Manchester audiences are very discerning and I’d love them to come and see me doing something completely different. It was hard work dancing around inside that large outfit, because it weighs a stone.

“But I can tell you that’s light-weight compared to my costume as the Count. You sweat a great deal in all that padding and although that may be great for losing weight, it’s hard work when you’re singing.

“I had to take over that role with only 10 days notice when Michael Crawford was taken ill and eventually, second time around, I too became ill with a viral infection.

“Luckily, I was involved in the costume design for Hairspray and they’ve done wonders with the padding.

"Although this is a light-hearted show, there’s a serious side which also makes it an inspirational evening and every night we’ve had standing ovations.

“When Obama was made President of the US, the audience just went mad. Let’s hope Manchester will feel the same.”

However, fans won’t have to wait until next year because Michael brings one of his popular concerts to the Apollo soon.

“I woke up one morning and realised that, unbelievably, I’ve been in the business 25 years! It certainly seems to have gone by in a flash.

"This tour just seemed a great way of celebrating especially as I’d also brought out a new album, Past And Present – The Very Best of Michael Ball in March.

“So, with a big band on stage and five first-rate performers appearing with me, I’ll be performing songs from some of the big London shows I’ve been associated with like Les Miserables, Phantom, Aspects Of Love, Kismet and, of course, Hairspray.”

I wondered if the UK Eurovision entry, One Step Out Of Time, would be included in Michael’s concert repertoire, causing him to laugh loudly.

“You know, I hadn’t even thought of that because it was so long ago but I’ve no regrets because although I only came second, it gave me my very first UK number one hit, so it turned out to be the best thing I could have done.”

Reels off

As Michael reels off the list of his West End shows, it marks his rapid progress from relative unknown to a name that’s instantly recognisable.

But even upcoming stars have their darker moments.

In the eighties he triumphed on the West End stage in Les Miserables, singing the coveted role of the young student Marius.

Great reviews saw him destined for instant fame.

However, he had to leave the show when diagnosed with severe glandular fever. Returning to work, he started experiencing panic attacks and spent the next nine months alone in his flat suffering deep depression. “It’s only recently I’ve been able to talk about it,” Michael admits.

“I didn’t want anyone to know in case it would affect my work. I didn’t seek any professional help because I knew that at the end of the day I was the only person who could snap myself out of it – and eventually I did.

“Gradually, I started doing one off concerts and got my confidence back about facing an audience. Then, bless him, Cameron Mackintosh asked me to play Raoul, the love interest in Phantom Of The Opera, which set me back on the road to full recovery.”

Michael’s much-publicised nude scene, as Alex in Aspects Of Love, nearly eclipsed his hit record Love Changes Everything. It certainly changed everything for Michael as he took the show to Broadway.

“That was a terrific experience but psychologically was very demanding because Broadway is considered the home of musicals.

“But I was knocked out by the showbiz camaraderie that exists between all the other Broadway performers who were really supportive and it was great fun.”

In the nineties, Michael’s first self-titled album was followed by Always, One Careful Owner and the Best of Michael Ball, affording him four gold discs in three years.

His next album, Movies, went platinum. A string of albums followed with First Love, Centre Stage, This Time It’s Personal and The Essential Michael Ball all going gold.

Michael also opened in Stephen Sondheim’s controversial Passion and by complete contrast thoroughly enjoyed appearing as Caractacus Potts in Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang.

Concerts took him from Salt Lake City to Kuala Lumpar, Australia and home to perform for the Royals at Windsor Castle. Michael loves a challenge.

New York City Opera

“I’d always wanted to perform with a real opera company and in 2005 I made my debut with the New York City Opera as Reginald Bunthorne in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience and then played the lead in Kismet with the English National Opera Company which was just the icing on the cake!”

Indeed, Michael was the first non-classical performer to appear, as part of the BBC Proms, in An Evening With Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall.

That same year he opened in Hairspray breaking all box-office records over the past 40 years and winning himself a coveted Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Michael’s been seen over the years not only singing on our television screens in several series but also presenting This Morning.
Now he presents his popular Radio 2 series, Sunday Brunch, which he thoroughly enjoys.

“I just love talking to people like I do when I’m in concert. But I think the important thing about radio is learning to listen.”

In between shows there were more hit albums like A Love Story, One Voice and Back to Bacharah.

In 2011 Michael will realise a long-held ambition when he plays the coveted title role in Sweeney Todd in London’s West End.

But, while we’re laughing our way through the interview, I’m aware that this is a grown-up Michael who still retains his passion for his work but is more aware than ever that life is for living off stage.
“Cathy and I met at exactly the right time. We’d both done the star bit and were ready for a relationship.

“It’s so easy in this business to spin out of control and there are always people around too ready to lead you down the wrong path.

“Cathy’s so grounded. She’s the best anchor in the world. She’s my most honest critic as well as my best friend.”

Meantime, the 47-year-old star assures me that his forthcoming concert is for the fans.

“I can’t think of a better way of celebrating 25 years in the business than singing to the fans who put me here in the first place and I’ll always be grateful to them.

“I know money’s tight for most people and I’m convinced that audiences know when someone is walking though a performance.

“I never do that. I always give 100pc and they’ll certainly get value for money if they come to this celebration.”

Then, with a twinkle in those blue eyes he cheekily adds, “Then they’ve got just nine months to save up for tickets for Hairspray!”

Michael Ball appears in concert at the Apollo on Saturday, October 3. £30, £32.50. Call 08444 777 677.