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Welcome to The Empire theatre
1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes.
There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?
When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it's too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?
Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel.
Enjoy the show!
Real readers love The Empire
'A charming, captivating, majestic, electrifying, exciting and dazzling masterpiece'
'This book was perfect'
'The Empire is fantastic read, and one of my favourites of this year!'
'A real razzmatazz of a read'
'What a wonderful book, as full of warmth and wit as Michael himself . . . absolute magic!'
About the author
Michael Ball
Summary
Welcome to The Empire Theatre. 'The Empire is a jewel, Mr Treadwell. There's not a finer theatre north of London, and I don't care who hears me say it.'For young Jack Treadwell, looking for work and struggling to adapt to civilian life after the Great War, The Empire is a lifeline.
Foreword
The first in a series set in the world of theatre by the legend of musical theatre
