I’m delighted to be sharing Laura’s thoughts about A Backstage Betrayal by Michael Ball.
- Publisher : Zaffre (7 Nov. 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1804182303
- ISBN-13 : 978-1804182307
1926. Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at The Empire. Following a turbulent period Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace, know they need to get things back on track – and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.
But could Lillian’s new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake? Will The Empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star, Stella Stanmore? And what are their enemies in Highbridge planning?
While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, Sally Blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break.
As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there are strange goings on and a plot afoot. Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down? And could this be curtains for The Empire?
A Backstage Betrayal Review
After reading The Empire I was looking forward to reading Michael Ball’s latest book.
This story includes a character list, which proves to be helpful with the many characters introduced first in The Empire and new characters in this story.
Set in a Yorkshire town called Highbridge this story follows Jack Treadwell, manager of The Empire married to Grace the playwright and son to Lady Lassiter, co-owner. Being in 1926 with political forces, theatre life was proving to be a difficult occupation for Jack and Grace. With quick thinking of many of the characters new ventures are tried to increase the popularity of the theatre.
I found this story slow to begin with but as I read, I enjoyed the glamour of the theatre and the likeable characters.
I enjoyed the inclusion of pantomime and Lillian’s love interest Grand Duke Nikolai’s reaction to our British pastime.
Although crime is a part of the story, I found A Backstage Betrayal to be a family saga with little sub plots to follow of different characters working at The Empire. With secrets and scandal, I liked reading the backstage scenes.
A book with a rat, a baby, a wedding and death. Lots of characters and lots of drama, this book is perfect for theatre fans.
About the Author
Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He’s been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he’s also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums. X @mrmichaelball