A Backstage Betrayal cover art

A Backstage Betrayal

The Empire, Book 2

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A Backstage Betrayal

By: Michael Ball
Narrated by: Michael Ball
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About this listen

 THE THEATRE MAY SEEM GLAMOROUS, BUT SECRETS WAIT BEHIND THE CURTAIN

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?

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this sparkling new Empire Theatre novel.

'A wonderful book. A love letter to the theatre' Rev. Richard Coles

'A fantastic book. Brilliant' Don Black OBE

'A wonderful read' Jeffrey Archer

'A golden debut - charming, funny and romantic' Cameron Mackintosh

'Takes you to the magical world of theatre' Rosie Goodwin©2023 Michael Ball (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK 20th Century Action & Adventure Clean & Wholesome Historical Historical Fiction Military Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
Love the world of the Empire the characters and also the narration and look forward to listening to more Thank you Mr Ball that was lovely ❤️

Loved it

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Michael’s narration is excellent with each voice matching the character. What a range! The story and plot kept me gripped throughout and look forward to book 3. A great listen!

Fantastic 2nd novel from Michael Ball

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I thoroughly enjoyed going back to the Empire!
The lovable characters were all there & new ones too.
The story was engaging and page turning - even though I was listening!! But listening was absolutely brilliant! Michael is so so good. He brings each character alive - acting each part. Wonderful! I listen to many audio books & the narrator can make or break the book. No one could read it like Michael does. He KNOWS the characters. His love of the theatre shines through & so you feel part of it too. I can think of nothing better than sitting listening to Michael’s voice! His talkings as good as his singing.
Just one thing more to say— when’s my next trip to the Empire Michael ????

Another great read

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The world of the Empire Theatre.. I hope the door will open again and I can take my place both backstage and in the audience! Fabulous reading Michael!

Absolutely gorgeous!

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Michael Ball, acting all of the characters in his own novel is a joy to listen to, and to read. 'A Backstage Betrayal', like 'The Empire' before it, brings fun, intrigue, well-drawn characters and period detail, with a great story line, offering twists and turns to the end.

It is an added pleasure, in an audio book, to have an actor who knows all the characters so very well, and can provide a voice for each, all distinctly their own.

A One Man Play

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The story of the little theatre in the north continues with the same light hearted humour and interesting plot lines. Michael is a wonderful performer who narrates each character with ease making it an easy listen/read. Fingers crossed for a third book!

Fantastic fun

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Well that a fantastic, beautiful written second book. loved the story line and all the characters. just simply brilliant!!

Fantastic

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I just love listening to Michael's voice. Be it his spoken words or in song. Great story telling is a rare gift but Michael has fabulous way of making the characters come to life... he so obviously loves his theatrical life and it is a treat to be immersed in a bygone era, with tales of love, loss, intrigue and a few giggles too. For me... this was the whole package... love, love, loved it ... Thank you Michael xx

what is not to love about this book

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Great story, in some ways predictable but still had twists. A really good listen. Michael Ball is an excellent narrator. Would recommend 👌.

Backstage Betrayal

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That, like the first book, was very enjoyable. Enthusiastically read by Michael Ball makes it even better. I really hope this series continues. Thank you very much for making the day that little bit brighter.

An enjoyable, easy listen

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