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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
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A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
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Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
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London,
Kieron Quirke's rating
Reader rating
Description: The West End and Broadway singing-star is joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra under Callum McLeod for an evening of theatrical smashes and popular favourites.
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Trains: Tube: High Street Kensington 
, Tube / Bus: 9, 10, 52, 360 
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Trademark style: Michael Ball earned a rapturous reception from the audience, despite familiar problems with the Albert Hall's acoustics
Michael Ball had a few remarks for those who criticised his presence at the Proms, but hardly made them eat their words. To the chagrin of those who love these concerts for extending popular horizons, Ball's performance was as populist as you like, but about as edifying as a sugar sandwich.
Still, real lovers of the arts know that all music is pretty much the same once it's spun a few times round the Royal Albert Hall's murderous acoustic, and so it proved last night. Familiar incompatibilities between the old hall and PA systems meant the opening showstoppers were little more than a wash of sound from which not even Michael's pronounced consonants could be picked.
Respite came with the sparse orchestrations of Gilbert and Sullivan's If You're Anxious For To Shine, chosen by Ball to satirise the high-minded sorts who didn't like his Prom. Ball is passionate in defence of the musical genre, and, quite rightly, of its principal exponent on these shores, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
But his effete prancing as he sang, a sort of mockery of a ham style of G&S that even the ENO only do a bit these days, only countered the reactionary snootiness of his detractors with ugly, inverse snobbery.
Ball's other concession to the event came when he had a go at opera, singing the duet from the Pearl Fishers with crossover tenor Alfie Boe. Surprisingly diffident, he watched Boe like a fearful co-pilot, but stayed solid enough on his harmony line to earn a rapturous reception from an audience who adored him.
And that, as far as surprise value went, was it, as Ball churned out numbers in his trademark style. If some were old favourites (Empty Chairs And Empty Tables, All I Ask) and some less typical fare (The Show Must Go On, Theme From Working Girl) string-heavy orchestral arrangements and Ball's voice, full of clean-cut, non-specific intensity, hardly distinguished. Real passion was rare, though a superb Gethsemane at the first half's close had enough and then some.
Ball remained charming throughout. Portly these days, there's something very dad-ish about the way he jigs in the faster numbers. Still, with his funky teacher demeanour and earnest, happy chat between songs, he is a dad one of your stranger girlfriends would fancy. And though his performance often bordered on the worst of cheese, it was done with commitment and not a little love - which, I suppose, changes things.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
I enjoyed this concert very much and I feel you misjudged the G&S number. I don't think Michael intended it as dig at his detractors, well perhaps in sentiment. Performance wise however it was a recreation of how the role was played at NYCO.
Michael was Michael, he was true to himself and his work and it is somewhat special and rare these to see such integrity...
- Joseph James, Dudley
I am an opera lover but I also loved Michael Ball last night at the Proms -after all he sang a number from West Side Story one of the greatest 20th Century 'operas'. A wonderful singer - a charming personality - at the height of his talent. Absolutely terrific!
- Allie, Enfeld
I was at the concert - it was wonderful. Many people had travelled miles to attend - some where driving back to as far away as Lancashire and many others had booked a hotel for the night. Many had never been to the Proms before and all whom I spoke to intend visiting the Proms in the future. That is down to Michael Ball - we are not all music snobs! Well done to the BBC introducing this concert to the Proms and shame on all the critics who were against it.
- Liz, London
I listened to the concert and thought it was great. We all know the RAH is a nightmare acoustically and then trying to get it right for the television and radio must be a arduous job at best. But it came across beautifully. I thought Michael was funny and charming. The number from Patience a highlight for me. The concert showed off musical theatre at its best. And I have to say the audience "sounded" like they had a really wonderful time. Which suggests that maybe musical theatre should be included from now on.
- Ruthie, Florida USA
