Actor Michael Ball gives voice to audiobook of début novel The Empire

West End actor Michael Ball will narrate the audiobook edition of his début novel The Empire being published by Zaffre Books on 13th October 2022.

Set in 1922, The Empire tells the story of the actors, owners and backstage staff that work at The Empire Theatre – a palace of dreams known as “the jewel of the north”.

But it’s not all glitz and glamour. The publisher’s synopsis continues: “When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire’s future, tensions rise along with the curtain. For there is treachery at the heart of the theatre and a shocking secret waiting in the wings…”

Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor and presenter. 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.

On his experience of recording his first audiobook, Ball said: “My favourite thing about writing this book has been creating the cast of characters that keep the theatre running. So being able to bring them to life and have fun with their voices has been wonderful. I can’t wait for audiobook listeners to meet them.”

Laura Makela, managing editor of audio at Bonnier Books UK, added: “Michael is a dream author for us in the audio team. Not only has he written a fantastic book full of wildly enjoyable characters, but it has been amazing to collaborate with an author as involved and considered in their approach to the audio edition as Michael has been. 

“This, coupled with his incredible talents as a performer, meant The Empire always promised to be a truly special audiobook. It has been a privilege to work with Michael and witness him bring the world of his début novel to life exactly as he imagined when writing it. The end result is all we could ever hope for and more.”