Episode
118 - Michael Ball on Les Miz, Sweeney Todd, Performing For Royalty & Battling Nerves
- Published
- May 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2396
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Summary
We're joined by a true legend of the British stage on this episode of Call To Stage - the endlessly charming, irrepressible, genre-defining Michael Ball. With over four decades in the industry, two Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical , two BRIT Awards and GRAMMY nomination - Michael is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the industry. Having made his West End debut originating the role of Marius in Les Mise´rables (a show he has returned to multiple times in his career), he has gone on to define such iconic roles as Edna Turnblad in the West End production of Hairspray , Sweeney Todd in the revival of Sweeney Todd and Alex in Aspects of Love (which led to him charting in the Top 5 UK Singles Charts). Michael has also had renowned starring roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , released numerous albums and has sold out every venue from the Royal Albert Hall to Radio City in New York. Michael Ball's new album Glow is out on May 22nd. You can order it here: https://michaelball.tmstor.es/ On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Michael talk about the advice that has underpinned his four decade career, his experiences performing in front of royalty, why he keeps returning to Les Mise´rables and how he asked Imelda Staunton to star in Sweeney Todd alongside him... There are also stories from Hairspray and Aspects of Love as well as a masterclass in nerves, superstition and what it means to savour the rare perfect moments. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTo…