The Empire: 'Wonderful. A lifelong love letter to the theatre' Reverend Richard Coles

Reviews

Melanie’s reads

The large cast of characters is slightly overwhelming, but happily there is a (very long) list to refer to. And boy, are they intriguing. Jack was intent on securing the position of stage doorman, or any other as long as it was in the theatre, and he would take whatever was offered regardless of the hours or wages. For me though it was theatre owner Lady Lillian who was the firm favourite, having just that extra gumption and ambition from her time as a showgirl.

Monkey Mind

It feels like Michael Ball has used much of his many years of experience in theatres to whip back that curtain to create a plausible story, not only set within the theatre parts the public see, but in a way, is a bit like revealing the secrets of what really goes on when there isn’t an audience, but in a fictional manner, since this book is a story. Buy yourself a ticket (aka book) and watch (read) the drama unfold before your very eyes.

Dani

I could completely visualise the ‘busyness’ of being backstage in putting on the performance and what it entailed. I did and it is fascinating). I thought Jack would be my favourite, but there was a gorgeous surprise.