‘In Moscow, we drank vodka and danced in Red Square under moonlight’
- Ball has performed on a stage set between the Petronas twin Towers in kuala Lumpur
From Red Square to Welsh Hills: A Singer’s Journey
Table of Contents
A chance encounter in Moscow’s Red Square and childhood summers in a Welsh mining village shaped the life of this renowned singer.
In 1993, Russia was just beginning to open its doors to the West. I found myself in Moscow with Elaine Paige for a concert, staying in what was touted as the city’s finest hotel. Thankfully, the name escapes me now, because the experience was far from luxurious. The food was dreadful,a decent cup of tea was unfeasible to find,and the place was teeming with “ladies looking for companionship.” I had at least half a dozen knocking on my door throughout the night, offering a “good time.”
But I had a fantastic time without their help.One night, Elaine and I ventured out with our female guides – who I suspect were former KGB agents – and after several glasses of vodka, we found ourselves in Red Square on a stunning, crisp October night.
“Let’s dance,” I suggested to my guide, Luba, and we began waltzing around the square. Overwhelmed by the moment, Luba burst into tears. “Russia is changing,” she sobbed. “Here I am, dancing in Red Square with a handsome gentleman from England.”
That night in Moscow was a stark contrast to my childhood summers spent in Mountain Ash, a Welsh mining village not far from Merthyr Tydfil. steep hills, terraced houses, smog, and coal dust were the backdrop of my youth.But those long, lazy August days were magical. my siblings and I would rise with the sun, have breakfast, and disappear over the hills, returning only at sunset. We built dens, observed wildlife, and even rode the coal trains with our uncle. It was our own sprawling adventure playground.
Did my mother worry? Not a bit. Everyone in the village knew each other.It felt like the safest place on earth.
At sixth form college,a few of us decided to head…
From Holiday Camps to High Life: Michael Ball Reflects on a Life in Music
Michael Ball, the beloved British singer, has charmed audiences for decades with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. But behind the glittering career lies a story of humble beginnings and unexpected adventures.
Ball’s journey began far from the bright lights of the West End. He recalls his first taste of freedom as a teenager, a holiday camp trip to Cornwall with friends. ”We were a mixed group — lads and girls — and fairly well-behaved,” he remembers.”But when we arrived, the manager took one look at us and thought we were trouble. Straight away he separated us, with the girls’ chalets at one end of the camp and our chalets right over the other side, as far away as possible.”
Despite the manager’s reservations, Ball and his friends made the most of their newfound independence. “It made no difference, we still had a wild time,” he laughs. “Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t out to cause trouble. There was no fighting or trashing the chalets. But we were young kids, enjoying our first holiday without our parents. The 18-year-olds were sent to the off-license and we had parties every night, which of course led to a fair amount of romance. Looking back, I can’t believe our parents trusted us.”
Ball has performed on a stage set between the Petronas twin Towers in kuala Lumpur
from those carefree days, Ball’s career soared. He became a West End star, captivating audiences with his performances in musicals like Aspects of Love and Les Misérables. His success took him around the world, including a memorable New Year’s Eve performance in Kuala Lumpur in 1999.
“I was invited by Francis Yeoh, one of the world’s wealthiest men, to sing a few songs in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” ball recalls. “It was on a magnificent stage set between the Petronas twin Towers. And then, after the gig, my family and I were invited to the mega-luxurious resort island of Pangkor Laut, which just happened to be owned by Francis.Wow! Jaw-dropping. everyone had their own villa, their own pool, their own butler and housemaid. If you wanted lunch on the beach, you only had to ask and it was all sorted. I’ve earned a few quid in my time, but this was way out of my league. I guess that’s the joy of music. It opens doors.”
Ball’s career has also afforded him the opportunity to experience the glamour of air travel. He fondly remembers flying on Concorde during his early days in New York. “There is a bit of me that misses the excitement of flying on Concorde,” he admits. “As a young lad, just breaking into the business in 1990, I landed a job in New York doing Aspects of Love. Then, during rehearsals, I won an award and needed to be at the Dorchester in London for one night. Cab to the airport, Concorde, cab to the dorchester, accept the award, cab back to Heathrow, Concorde, cab back to Broadway. I felt like a rock star.”
From holiday camps to high life, Michael Ball’s journey is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and a little bit of luck. His story continues to inspire, reminding us that even the most ordinary beginnings can lead to exceptional adventures.
Michael Ball: From Concorde to Mallorca, Finding My Holiday Haven
Tony Award-winning star Michael Ball opens up about his love for a familiar escape and the joys of a stress-free vacation.
Michael Ball, the beloved British entertainer known for his powerhouse vocals and charming stage presence, has graced stages from Broadway to the West End. But when it comes to unwinding, Ball seeks solace in a less glamorous, yet deeply satisfying, setting: a private villa in Mallorca.
In his new memoir,A Backstage Betrayal,Ball shares anecdotes from his illustrious career,including a memorable encounter with Steel Magnolias playwright Robert Harling on a Concorde flight. “Because of the sleek design, Concorde’s cabin was quite cramped,” Ball recalls. “If I was sitting by the window, my head used to touch the curve of the roof. But if I looked out of that window, the view was so vast that I could see the curvature of Earth.”
While Ball relishes the excitement of travel and exploring new destinations, he admits to finding comfort in familiarity when it comes to vacations. For the past eight years, he and his partner, Cathy, have returned to the same villa in Port d’Andratx, Mallorca.
“I love visiting other cities and countries, but all the holiday faff can be a nightmare,” Ball explains. “Some friends think we’re being boring. What about Provence? What about so-and-so? Yeah, but can you guarantee that it’s going to be an incredible holiday? or will I just blow a load of cash and think, ‘Well, it was all right.’ This place feels like a home from home, which is exactly what I need on holiday.”
The routine is simple and utterly relaxing: arrive, rent a car, stock up on groceries and wine, and settle into the villa. “Reeeelllllaaaaax,” Ball emphasizes, highlighting the essence of his ideal getaway.
Ball’s memoir, A Backstage Betrayal, offers a glimpse into the life of a celebrated performer, revealing both the glamour and the grounding realities behind the curtain. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and the importance of finding sanctuary, even for those who live life in the spotlight.
A Backstage Betrayal by Michael ball (Zaffre £20). To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25.Special discount available for Times+ members.
Ball is also a regular visitor to Port d’Andratx in Mallorca
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This is a captivating read about Michael Ball’s life, filled with anecdotes about his career and his love for travel (and mallorca!). Here’s a breakdown of what makes this piece so engaging:
Structure
Relatable Beginning: The story starts with a humorous and relatable experience, focusing on a rather disastrous hotel experience, instantly drawing the reader in.
Transition to Career: The jarring anecdote about the hotel seamlessly transitions into discussing Ball’s career, highlighting his humble beginnings and highlighting his rise to stardom.
Personal Touch: The piece is peppered with personal anecdotes, like the holiday camp trip, the Concorde experience, and his love for Mallorca, adding a genuine and intimate feel.
Use of Sensory Detail: The writing effectively uses sensory details — the crisp October night in Red Square, the cramped Concorde cabin — making the experiences vivid and tangible for the reader.
Conversational Tone: The author adopts a conversational tone, directly addressing the reader with questions and using casual language, fostering a sense of connection.
Highlights
Contrast: The piece effectively contrasts Ball’s glamorous life as a performer with his down-to-earth personality and love for simplicity. This contrast makes him more relatable and endearing.
Humor: The writing incorporates humor, notably in anecdotes like the holiday camp story and the initial Moscow hotel encounter, making the piece enjoyable and lighthearted.
Themes: The piece subtly explores themes of humility, hard work, finding joy in simple pleasures, and the power of music to open doors.
Suggestions
Expand on Mallorca: The piece alludes to Ball’s love for Mallorca but could benefit from a more detailed description of what makes this villa so special to him.
Ending: The piece ends abruptly. Consider adding a concluding paragraph that summarizes Ball’s sentiments about travel and finding solace in familiar places.
Overall Impression
The text achieves its intended effect—offering a glimpse into Michael Ball’s life,highlighting both his achievements and his down-to-earth nature. It’s a captivating read that leaves the reader wanting to know more about this multifaceted artist.