âš Official Career Retrospective • 1962 â Present
âŹïž Chronological Order (Newest First)
â Michael's Timeline
A celebrated career in musical theatre, concerts, television, and radio (1962 â Present)
Born
1962
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
Milestones
34+ Entries
Documented Chronology
Major Honours
2x Olivier • OBE
Hairspray, Sweeney Todd, Royal
Current Era
2026 • Glow Tour
UK & World Arena Concerts
⥠Filter by Career Era
Showing 34 of 34 career events (Newest on top)
2026
Tours & Concerts
2026
Brand New Album âGlowâ, Tour, Warner Weekends & Llangollen Eisteddfod
2026 â There is plenty in store for Michael this year including a new album called âGlowâ followed by a tour late summer/autumn. He will also be appearing at four different Warner Weekends in November and at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Saturday 11th July 2026 as well as a Christmas Musicals Spectacular in Manchester on 22nd/23rd December.
• Brand New Solo Album: âGlowâ released with UK Tour late summer/autumn
• Headlining Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (Saturday 11 July 2026)
• Four Warner Weekends in November
• Christmas Musicals Spectacular in Manchester (22/23 December 2026)
2025
Tours & Concerts
2025
Les Mis World Tour in Australia & Newmarket Open-Air Concert
2025 â Following the tour in March/April Michael joined the Les Mis Arena tour in Australia in April/May, performing in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. He performed with Alfie Boe at an open air concert at Newmarket in August and he continues to host âLove Songs With Michael Ballâ on Sunday mornings at 9 am.
Aspects of Love at Lyric Theatre, Memoir âDifferent Aspectsâ & Music Man Patron
2023 â Michael appeared in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webberâs Aspects of Love at the Lyric Theatre in London commencing 13th May. In April The Music Man Project were delighted to announce that Michael had agreed to become a Patron of their charity. Michaelâs new book, a memoir called Different Aspects was released in October. He is still presenting his BBC Radio 2 programme every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm.
• Aspects of Love at Lyric Theatre, West End
• Patron of The Music Man Project charity
• Bestselling Memoir: âDifferent Aspectsâ published in October
• BBC Radio 2 every Sunday
2022
Books & Patronage
2022
Debut Novel âThe Empireâ, âTogether In Vegasâ & Palladium Gala
2022 â Michael appeared at Warners Leisure centres in February/March before appearing in his own BBC Wales TV show âMichael Ball Showtimeâ. He also announced a charity fundraising concert in aid of Shooting Star Childrenâs Hospices at the London Palladium on 11th June 2022 and also appeared at outdoor summer concerts with Alfie Boe. He had another booking for a Sailcation with Imagine Cruising and then a trip to Australia in September to take part in âDo You Hear The People Sing?â. Michael is still presenting his BBC Radio 2 programme every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm. Michaelâs first novel âThe Empireâ was released in October. The âTogether In Vegasâ album is Michaelâs latest collaboration with Alfie Boe.
• Debut Sunday Times Bestselling Novel: âThe Empireâ (October 2022)
• Charity Gala Concert at London Palladium for Shooting Star Childrenâs Hospices
• BBC Wales TV Special: âMichael Ball Showtimeâ
• Album: âTogether In Vegasâ with Alfie Boe
• âDo You Hear The People Sing?â in Australia
2021
West End & Theatre
2021
Edna Return at London Coliseum & âWonderful Walesâ on Channel 5
2021 â Michael reprised his role as Edna in Hairspray at the London Coliseum which finally commenced in June 2021. July saw the premiere of âWonderful Wales with Michael Ballâ, a four episode series on Channel 5 exploring Wales. Michael and Alfie Boe undertook an arena tour in November/December. Michael can still be heard every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm on BBC Radio 2.
• Hairspray return as Edna Turnblad at London Coliseum (June 2021)
• Wonderful Wales with Michael Ball (4-part Channel 5 TV series)
• Ball & Boe Arena Tour (Nov/Dec 2021)
• BBC Radio 2 every Sunday
2020
Awards & Honours
2020
Chart-Topping with Captain Sir Tom Moore & âTogether at Christmasâ
2020 â Michael toured with Alfie during February and March. Alongside Captain Sir Tom Moore, Michael topped the singles charts with their rendition of âYouâll Never Walk Aloneâ. Michael and Alfie have recorded a new album called âTogether at Christmasâ released November. This album flew straight to the top of the album charts and has since been awarded a gold disc for sales. He continues to present The One Show periodically and can still be heard on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm.
• Official UK Singles Chart No. 1: âYouâll Never Walk Aloneâ with Captain Sir Tom Moore
• Gold-certified No. 1 Album: âTogether at Christmasâ
• Presented BBCâs The One Show
• BBC Radio 2 Sunday flagship show
2019
West End & Theatre
2019
Javert in Les Mis Staged Concert, Solo Album âComing Home to Youâ & âBack Togetherâ
Classic BRIT Award, Anatoly in Chess & Proms in the Park
2018 â Michael and Alfie won the Classic Brit Award for Group of the Year and Album of The Year. He performed the role of Anatoly in the ENOâs production of Chess at The Coliseum in London. Michael also participated at outdoor concerts in the summer as the special guest of Il Divo. In September he once again hosted the BBCâs Proms In The Park in Hyde Park London.
• Classic BRIT Awards: Group of the Year & Album of the Year
• Anatoly in Chess at London Coliseum (English National Opera)
• Special Guest of Il Divo for Summer Shows
• Hosted BBC Proms in the Park at Hyde Park
2017
Radio & Albums
2017
Album âTogether Againâ Hits No. 1 & UK Arena Tour
2017 â Michael and Alfie release their second album called âTogether Againâ which again reached No. 1 in the album charts. They performed at outdoor concerts and completed a UK tour at the end of the year. Michael continued to host his Radio 2 Sunday morning show.
• Album: âTogether Againâ hits No. 1 on UK Official Albums Chart
• Sold-out UK Arena Tour with Alfie Boe
• Outdoor Summer Concert Series
• BBC Radio 2 Sunday Morning show
2016
Radio & Albums
2016
OBE Investiture, Terry Wogan Tribute & Smash Album âTogetherâ with Alfie Boe
2016 â In January Michael performed an intimate concert at the London Hippodrome and also collected his OBE from Prince Charles. He also hosted the Olivier Awards and was honoured to be chosen to host Sunday Morning radio after Sir Terry Wogan passed away in January 2016. In the latter part of the year, Michael teamed up with Alfie Boe to produce the album âTogetherâ which went platinum and was the Christmas No. 1 album. They undertook a nationwide UK tour in November/December.
• Investiture: OBE presented by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace
• Album: âTogetherâ with Alfie Boe (Multi-Platinum Christmas No. 1)
• Nationwide Arena Tour with Alfie Boe
• Took over permanent BBC Radio 2 Sunday Morning flagship show
• Hosted Laurence Olivier Awards at Royal Opera House
2015
Awards & Honours
2015
Awarded OBE by Her Majesty The Queen & Mack and Mabel
2015 â Another busy year for Michael â he completed a UK tour in April which followed by taking on the role of Mack Sennett in Mack and Mabel at Chichester Festival Theatre. In June he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in her birthday honours list for services to musical theatre.
• Awarded OBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II in Birthday Honours List
• Mack Sennett in Mack and Mabel (Chichester & Tour)
• UK Solo Tour (April 2015)
2014
Eurovision & Television
2014
Tubby and Enid (That Day We Sang) with Victoria Wood & Taipei
2014 â Michael began the year by filming with Imelda Staunton for a TV musical film written by Victoria Wood called Tubby and Enid which was screened to great critical acclaim at Christmas 2014. He made numerous appearances during the year, including Taipei in March and then at the Lytham Proms later in the year, as well as continuing with his Sunday Night With Michael Ball radio show on BBC Radio 2.
• Tubby and Enid (That Day We Sang) written by Victoria Wood
• Co-starring with Imelda Staunton (BBC TV musical)
• Concert in Taipei (March 2014)
• Lytham Proms Headliner
2013
Radio & Albums
2013
Sunday Night With Michael Ball, Album âBoth Sides Nowâ & Abu Dhabi/Shanghai
2013 saw Michael returning to BBC Radio 2 for a brand new show called Sunday Night With Michael Ball at 7 pm on Sunday evenings which started from 20 January. His album âBoth Sides Nowâ was released in February and he undertook a full UK tour in April/May 2013. Michael then went on to perform at open air concerts at Audley End and Kenwood. He also appeared in concerts in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, as well as appearing at a concert celebrating Don Blackâs music and on a P and O cruise. In December Michael once again organised a fund raising concert for Shooting Star Chase.
• Launched Sunday Night With Michael Ball (BBC Radio 2)
• Album: âBoth Sides Nowâ & UK Tour
• International concerts in Abu Dhabi & Shanghai
• Don Black celebration concert & P&O Cruise
• Shooting Star Chase Christmas charity concert
2012
West End & Theatre
2012
Sweeney Todd at Adelphi Theatre & Hosting Olivier Awards
2012 saw him reprising the role of Sweeney Todd at The Adelphi Theatre through to September. He hosted the Olivier Awards with Imelda Staunton at the Royal Opera House and made various TV and radio appearances, including hosting Friday Night Is Music Night on BBC Radio 2 in October. He appeared at the Cork City Hall on 8/9 December, and at the BT Christmas Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 December.
• Sweeney Todd at The Adelphi Theatre (Olivier-winning run)
• Co-hosted Laurence Olivier Awards with Imelda Staunton
• Friday Night Is Music Night (BBC Radio 2)
• BT Christmas Concert at Royal Albert Hall
• Cork City Hall performances
2011
West End & Theatre
2011
Sweeney Todd in Chichester & Final Goodbye to Edna
2011 and Michael continued his busy life, finally saying goodbye to Edna in Hairspray, undertaking a full UK tour, continuing to do his BBC Radio 2 radio show, and appearing in Sweeney Todd in Chichester alongside Imelda Staunton.
• Sweeney Todd at Chichester Festival Theatre
• Final farewell to Edna in Hairspray
• Full UK Tour
• BBC Radio 2 shows
2010
Eurovision & Television
2010
Hairspray UK Tour & Daily ITV1 Chat Show
2010 saw Michael reprising his role as Edna in the UK tour of Hairspray, as well as continuing to work for BBC Radio 2, sharing the Sunday morning slot with Sir Terry Wogan. Michael was given his own TV series on ITV1 running for 6 weeks Monday-Friday from 16 August.
• ITV1 daily afternoon show: The Michael Ball Show
• Hairspray UK Tour (Edna Turnblad)
• BBC Radio 2 Sunday mornings with Sir Terry Wogan
2009
Tours & Concerts
2009
25 Years in Show Business & Royal Albert Hall Filmed Tour
2009 saw Michael continuing in the role of Edna in Hairspray, temporarily hanging up his dancing shoes and âboobsâ on Saturday 25 July 2009. He celebrated his birthday on 27 June by performing at an open air concert at West Wycombe Park. To commemorate 25 years of being in show business, Michael released an album called âMichael Ball, Past and Presentâ, a celebration of the past 25 years. He toured the UK in September/October, which was filmed at the Royal Albert Hall and released as âMichael Ball Past and Present Liveâ. In December he performed a show at Feltonfleet School to raise funds for Shooting Star Childrenâs Hospice.
• 25 Years in Show Business celebration
• Album: âMichael Ball, Past and Presentâ
• Filmed concert at Royal Albert Hall (DVD)
• Birthday concert at West Wycombe Park
• Shooting Star Childrenâs Hospice fundraiser
2008
Awards & Honours
2008
Olivier Award Best Actor in a Musical & BBC Radio 2 Sunday Brunch
2008 was yet another busy year for Michael, continuing in the role of Edna in Hairspray and performing at concerts at Hampton Court, Liverpool, Kenwood House, Audley End and Patchings Art Centre. In March Michael won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. Michael then added another string to his bow by joining the BBC Radio 2 team for his regular Sunday morning slot âMichael Ballâs Sunday Brunchâ.
• Winner: Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical
• Joined BBC Radio 2 for âMichael Ballâs Sunday Brunchâ
• Continuing Edna in Hairspray (Shaftesbury Theatre)
• Concerts: Hampton Court, Kenwood House, Audley End
2007
West End & Theatre
2007
Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Solo BBC Prom & Millionaire Win
2007 continued to be busy, with a full UK tour in March/April, recording another series of Ball Over Broadway for BBC Radio 2, winning ÂŁ64000 for charity on âWho Wants To Be A Millionnaire?â and performing at several open air concerts including the Faenol Festival. Michael appeared with the English National Opera in itâs summer production of Kismet, and then made history by appearing in his own âPromâ at the BBC Proms Festival at the Royal Albert Hall. The second half of the year has proved to be equally busy, with the release of his CD âBack To Bacharachâ, his DVD âOne Voice â One Special Night Liveâ, culminating with the wonderful triumph of playing Edna in the musical Hairspray â a role that continued into the next year.
• Starred as Edna Turnblad in smash-hit Hairspray
• Historic solo BBC Prom at Royal Albert Hall
• Won ÂŁ64,000 for charity on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
• CD: âBack To Bacharachâ & DVD: âOne Voice Liveâ
• Kismet with English National Opera
2006
Radio & Albums
2006
Anthony Newley Tribute & Album âOne Voiceâ
2006 saw Michael performing outdoor summer concerts, appearing in an Anthony Newley tribute concert for BBC Radio 2 and a new album âOne Voiceâ released in October.
• Album: âOne Voiceâ released October 2006
• Anthony Newley Tribute Concert (BBC Radio 2)
• Summer Outdoor Concerts
2005
West End & Theatre
2005
Count Fosco in The Woman in White & Broadway Debut
Michael continued his hectic schedule in 2005, performing the role of Count Fosco in Andrew Lloyd Webberâs âWoman In Whiteâ in London and then undertaking a full UK tour in May/June. He then left the UK for New York, where he played the role of Reginald Bunthorne in Gilbert and Sullivanâs âPatienceâ for the New York City Opera. To finish off the year he reprised the role of Count Fosco for the Broadway production of âWoman In Whiteâ.
• Count Fosco in The Woman in White (West End)
• Reginald Bunthorne in Patience (New York City Opera)
• Broadway debut reprising Count Fosco
• Full UK Tour (May/June 2005)
2004
Awards & Honours
2004
Australian Tour, Sunset Boulevard with Petula Clark & Windsor Castle
2004 was another busy year for Michael. He completed a hugely successful Australian tour, and scored a resounding success performing the role of Joe Gillis opposite Petula Clark in a concert version of Sunset Boulevard in Cork for BBC Radio 2. In May he performed at the Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, United States of America. In September he performed his one man show âAlone Togetherâ at the Singular Sensations season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and then went on to perform in front of the Queen and President Jacques Chirac at Windsor Castle where he played the role of Jean Valjean in âLes Miserablesâ.
Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & âA Love Storyâ
2002 saw Michael concentrating on his role as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as perform at 3 outdoor concerts in the summer. Michael continued in this role throughout the first half of 2003. In October Michael released his album âA Love Storyâ and undertook a highly successful nationwide UK tour.
• Starring as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium)
• 3 outdoor summer concerts (2002)
• Album: âA Love Storyâ (October 2003)
• Nationwide UK Tour
2001
West End & Theatre
2001
Donmar Warehouse Sell-Out Season & Album âCentre Stageâ
2001 saw Michael continue his busy schedule. He performed in concerts at Harrogate, Liverpool, Audley End and Chelmsford, as well as performing a sell-out season at the Donmar Warehouse in London. âCentre Stageâ â a collection of songs from musicals was released on 17 September and to round off the year he played several concert dates.
• Sell-out season at Donmar Warehouse London
• Concerts at Harrogate, Liverpool, Audley End & Chelmsford
• Album: âCentre Stageâ (Released 17 Sept 2001)
2000
Radio & Albums
2000
Turn of the Century: Malaysia, Michel Legrand & âThis Time Itâs Personalâ
2000, and the turn of the century saw Michael performing in Malaysia. He then appeared as a guest star at a Michel Legrand concert in February. He undertook a full UK tour in September/October and released a new album âThis Time Itâs Personalâ.
• Millennium concerts in Malaysia
• Guest star with legendary composer Michel Legrand
• Album: âThis Time Itâs Personalâ
• UK Autumn Tour
1999
Awards & Honours
1999
Variety Club Best Recording Artist & International Solo Concert
1999 was another very hectic year for Michael, being voted the Royal Variety Clubâs Best Recording Artist in February and undertaking a UK tour in March/April followed by his first solo concert outside the UK at the Theatre Carre in Amsterdam. He then proceeded to appear at open air concerts at Hampton Court, Castle Howard, Glamis Castle and Longleat before finishing his tour in September in Belfast and Dublin.
Chelmsford Spectacular, Liverpool Pops & Album âThe Moviesâ
In 1998 Michael performed in several concerts, including open air at the Chelmsford Spectacular and with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Liverpool Summer Pops Concerts. He also released the album âThe Moviesâ.
• Album: âThe Moviesâ released
• Liverpool Summer Pops with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Chelmsford Spectacular
1997
Tours & Concerts
1997
Open Air Concerts & Blackpool Opera House 11-Night Season
1997 saw Michael perform at two open air concerts at Bedford and Barnstaple, and he also toured again in the Autumn culminating in an 11 night season at the Blackpool Opera House.
• Open air concerts at Bedford & Barnstaple
• 11-night season at Blackpool Opera House
• Autumn UK Tour
1994â1996
West End & Theatre
1994â1996
Sondheimâs Passion at Queenâs Theatre
Michaelâs success then continued with a successful run in the show Passion at the Queens Theatre in London, followed by another UK tour.
• Passion at Queens Theatre, London
• Full UK Theatre Tour
1992
Eurovision & Television
1992
Eurovision Song Contest & The Michael Ball Show
In May 1992 Michael represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song âOne Step Out Of Timeâ. He finished in second place. Following his success in Eurovision, Michael undertook several major tours of the U.K., followed by The Michael Ball Show, his own TV show.
• Eurovision Song Contest 1992 (2nd Place)
• âOne Step Out Of Timeâ
• Major UK Tours
• The Michael Ball Show (ITV series)
He trained at the Guildford School of Acting and graduated in 1984. His first professional appearance was in Godspell in Wales. His first major break was a star part in the production of The Pirates of Penzance at the Opera House, Manchester.
• Graduated Guildford School of Acting (1984)
• Godspell in Wales (First professional role)
• The Pirates of Penzance at Manchester Opera House
1962
Early Years
1962
Birth in the West Midlands
Michael was born in the West Midlands on 27 June 1962, marking the beginning of what would become one of the UKâs most distinguished and beloved entertainment careers.
• Born 27 June 1962
• West Midlands, UK
Michael Ball Fan Club Official Website • Career Retrospective