Hairspray

Michael is one of Britain's leading Musical figures, having appeared on Broadway and dominated the West End for more than 20 years. His many musical credits include Godspell, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, The Pirates of Penzance and Sondheim's musical Passion. His portrayal of Alex in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Aspects of Love in the West end and Broadway brought him worldwide recognition, and his single Love Changes Everything from the same production shot to No. 1 in the UK singles chart. More recently he delighted audiences in the West End as Caractucus Pott's in the smash hit Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

His successful career includes representing Great Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest, gaining him a second No 1 in the UK Singles chart and twelve hit solo albums. His numerous successful tours, concerts and guest appearances include performances at HM The Queen's 40th Anniversary Gala, The Royal Variety Show, the opening of the Rugby World Cup and the VE Day 50th Anniversary concert in Hyde Park, open air concerts with the BBC's Big Band, Proms in the Park, held in Hyde Park for the Last Night of the Proms and a sell out concert at the Sydney Opera House, Australia. He has recorded two television series Michael Ball for Carlton and three shows for the BBC entitled An Evening with Michael Ball. In 1999 he was awarded the Theatregoers Club of Great Britain's award for Most Popular Musical Actor over the last 21 years.

Michael is thrilled to be playing Edna. He said: ‘The secret is to play Edna as a woman and not as a man in drag. You behave like a woman and you convince people and find the pathos, the way Dustin Hoffman did in Tootsie. It's a going to be great fun.’

Winning “Best Actor in a Musical” award at both the Olivier and What’s On Stage Theatregoers choice Awards, this is now the longest role Michael has ever played in a musical.

Back to cast list