Michael Ball Fan Club

The Official Fan Club of Michael Ball Since 1992

✹ Official Career Retrospective • 1962 – Present
âŹ‡ïž Chronological Order (Newest First)

⭐ Michael's Timeline

A celebrated career in musical theatre, concerts, television, and radio (1962 – 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 “Glow”, Tour, Warner Weekends & Llangollen Eisteddfod

2026 – There is plenty in store for Michael this year including a new album called “Glow” 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: “Glow” 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 – 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 “Love Songs With Michael Ball” on Sunday mornings at 9 am.

• Together At Home UK Spring Tour • Les MisĂ©rables Arena World Tour in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) • Open-Air Summer Concert with Alfie Boe at Newmarket (August) • BBC Radio 2 Love Songs with Michael Ball
2024
Radio & Albums 2024

BBC Love Songs, “Together At Home” No. 1 & Novel “A Backstage Betrayal”

2024 – Michael undertook a UK tour in March as well as continuing to work with BBC Radio 2 with a change of pace, now hosting “Love Songs with Michael Ball” on Sunday between 9 and 11 am. Later in the year he joined the cast of Les MisĂ©rables for some of the UK dates of the arena tour. Michael’s second novel, “A Backstage Betrayal” was released in November. Michael’s latest album collaboration with Alfie Boe, called “Together At Home” was also released on November 8 reaching the No. 1 spot in the UK album chart. They will be touring together in March/April next year.

• Launched “Love Songs with Michael Ball” on BBC Radio 2 (Sunday 9-11 AM) • Album: “Together At Home” with Alfie Boe reaches No. 1 on UK Album Chart • Second Novel: “A Backstage Betrayal” released in November • Joined Les MisĂ©rables Arena Tour for UK dates • Solo UK Spring Tour in March
2023
Books & Patronage 2023

Aspects of Love at Lyric Theatre, Memoir “Different Aspects” & Music Man Patron

2023 – Michael appeared in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 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. Michael’s 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: “Different Aspects” published in October • BBC Radio 2 every Sunday
2022
Books & Patronage 2022

Debut Novel “The Empire”, “Together In Vegas” & Palladium Gala

2022 – Michael appeared at Warners Leisure centres in February/March before appearing in his own BBC Wales TV show “Michael Ball Showtime”. He also announced a charity fundraising concert in aid of Shooting Star Children’s 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 “Do You Hear The People Sing?”. Michael is still presenting his BBC Radio 2 programme every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm. Michael’s first novel “The Empire” was released in October. The “Together In Vegas” album is Michael’s latest collaboration with Alfie Boe.

• Debut Sunday Times Bestselling Novel: “The Empire” (October 2022) • Charity Gala Concert at London Palladium for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices • BBC Wales TV Special: “Michael Ball Showtime” • Album: “Together In Vegas” with Alfie Boe • “Do You Hear The People Sing?” in Australia
2021
West End & Theatre 2021

Edna Return at London Coliseum & “Wonderful Wales” on Channel 5

2021 – Michael reprised his role as Edna in Hairspray at the London Coliseum which finally commenced in June 2021. July saw the premiere of “Wonderful Wales with Michael Ball”, 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 & “Together at Christmas”

2020 – Michael toured with Alfie during February and March. Alongside Captain Sir Tom Moore, Michael topped the singles charts with their rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Michael and Alfie have recorded a new album called “Together at Christmas” 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: “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with Captain Sir Tom Moore • Gold-certified No. 1 Album: “Together at Christmas” • Presented BBC’s The One Show • BBC Radio 2 Sunday flagship show
2019
West End & Theatre 2019

Javert in Les Mis Staged Concert, Solo Album “Coming Home to You” & “Back Together”

2019 – Michael continued to present his Radio 2 show every Sunday morning between 11 am and 1 pm. He toured the UK in April/May 2019, then went on to appear as Javert in the Les MisĂ©rables Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre in London. He released his solo album Coming Home To You, and then also released Back Together with Alfie Boe.

• Javert in Les MisĂ©rables All-Star Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre) • Solo Album: “Coming Home To You” • Duo Album: “Back Together” with Alfie Boe • Spring UK Solo Tour
2018
Awards & Honours 2018

Classic BRIT Award, Anatoly in Chess & Proms in the Park

2018 – 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 ENO’s 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 BBC’s 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 “Together Again” Hits No. 1 & UK Arena Tour

2017 – Michael and Alfie release their second album called “Together Again” 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: “Together Again” 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 “Together” with Alfie Boe

2016 – 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 “Together” 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: “Together” 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 – Another busy year for Michael – 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 – 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 “Both Sides Now” & 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 “Both Sides Now” 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 Black’s 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: “Both Sides Now” & 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 “boobs” 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 “Michael Ball, Past and Present”, 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 “Michael Ball Past and Present Live”. In December he performed a show at Feltonfleet School to raise funds for Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

• 25 Years in Show Business celebration • Album: “Michael Ball, Past and Present” • Filmed concert at Royal Albert Hall (DVD) • Birthday concert at West Wycombe Park • Shooting Star Children’s 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 “Michael Ball’s Sunday Brunch”.

• Winner: Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical • Joined BBC Radio 2 for “Michael Ball’s Sunday Brunch” • 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 £64000 for charity on “Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire?” and performing at several open air concerts including the Faenol Festival. Michael appeared with the English National Opera in it’s summer production of Kismet, and then made history by appearing in his own “Prom” 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 “Back To Bacharach”, his DVD “One Voice – One Special Night Live”, culminating with the wonderful triumph of playing Edna in the musical Hairspray – 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: “Back To Bacharach” & DVD: “One Voice Live” • Kismet with English National Opera
2006
Radio & Albums 2006

Anthony Newley Tribute & Album “One Voice”

2006 saw Michael performing outdoor summer concerts, appearing in an Anthony Newley tribute concert for BBC Radio 2 and a new album “One Voice” released in October.

• Album: “One Voice” 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 Webber’s “Woman In White” 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 Sullivan’s “Patience” for the New York City Opera. To finish off the year he reprised the role of Count Fosco for the Broadway production of “Woman In White”.

• 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 “Alone Together” 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 “Les Miserables”.

• Australian Tour • Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard opposite Petula Clark (Cork/BBC Radio 2) • Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, USA • One-man show “Alone Together” at Theatre Royal Haymarket • Jean Valjean in Les MisĂ©rables for HM The Queen & President Chirac at Windsor Castle
2002–2003
West End & Theatre 2002–2003

Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & “A Love Story”

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 “A Love Story” 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: “A Love Story” (October 2003) • Nationwide UK Tour
2001
West End & Theatre 2001

Donmar Warehouse Sell-Out Season & Album “Centre Stage”

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. “Centre Stage” – 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: “Centre Stage” (Released 17 Sept 2001)
2000
Radio & Albums 2000

Turn of the Century: Malaysia, Michel Legrand & “This Time It’s Personal”

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 “This Time It’s Personal”.

• Millennium concerts in Malaysia • Guest star with legendary composer Michel Legrand • Album: “This Time It’s Personal” • 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 Club’s 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.

• Royal Variety Club Best Recording Artist (Feb 1999) • First solo concert outside UK (Theatre CarrĂ©, Amsterdam) • Historic concerts: Hampton Court, Castle Howard, Glamis Castle, Longleat • Tour finale in Belfast and Dublin
1998
Radio & Albums 1998

Chelmsford Spectacular, Liverpool Pops & Album “The Movies”

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 “The Movies”.

• Album: “The Movies” 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
1994–1996
West End & Theatre 1994–1996

Sondheim’s Passion at Queen’s Theatre

Michael’s 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 “One Step Out Of Time”. 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) • “One Step Out Of Time” • Major UK Tours • The Michael Ball Show (ITV series)
1985–1989
West End & Theatre 1985–1989

West End Debut: Les Misérables, Phantom & Aspects of Love

Michael’s West End debut followed in Les MisĂ©rables, which was swiftly followed by Phantom Of The Opera and Aspects Of Love, launching his signature rendition of “Love Changes Everything”.

• Les MisĂ©rables (West End Debut as Marius) • Phantom Of The Opera (Raoul) • Aspects Of Love (Created Alex Dillingham)
1984
Early Years 1984

Guildford School of Acting & Godspell

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 UK’s most distinguished and beloved entertainment careers.

• Born 27 June 1962 • West Midlands, UK

Michael Ball Fan Club Official Website • Career Retrospective

Gill Oakley & Maureen Wilkinson-Rouse