Review: I HEART MICHAEL BALL, Split Infinitive - Old Joint Stock Birmingham

Reviewing new theatre is a true blessing. Sometimes, especially when both the idea and delivery are poor, it is with a heavy heart that the thoughts and observations of the reviewer have to be written down. One does not want to discourage, and yet has a duty to deliver the raw opinion with hopes that the project is either nurtured or abandoned. Other times, as a reviewer, you are one of the first to see something that is full of potential. This is the view of I Heart Michael Ball.  It is raw, hilarious and scary. Do not be deceived by the title. One does not have to be a hardened fan of Michael Ball to find this piece of theatre wildly entertaining.  

You don't enter a theatre per se, you enter a village/community hall for the tenth bi-annual gathering of the Michael Ball Appreciation Society. Alex (Millington), the founder of the society (of which, you are of course a member), has a special surprise for you. George, Alex's older brother, was the one to introduce Alex to the dulcet tones of Michael Ball. With a tumultuous childhood, both took to escaping in George’s car listening to cassette after cassette of Michael Ball. The car is where they learned to dream and aspire to create better, safer homes for themselves. 

Millington is wonderfully charismatic. Alex is an excellent guide and you will leave knowing more than you would care to about this celebrity. Substitute Michael Ball with anyone you idolised in childhood and you'll be able to relate. For those who are Musical Theatre/Michael Ball fans, there are plenty of jokes hidden within the text to keep you amused. In fact, I Heart Michael Ball is full of laugh out loud moments. Alex is incredibly witty and engaging throughout. Alex is also charmingly sinister; there are several moments where one is so uncomfortable, one can't help but check the exits are accessible. 

I Heart Michael Ball is a story of grief and obsession: how far will go to meet your idol? As with the majority of new theatre pieces, there are a few kinks that need ironing out but we think this will happen as the performances evolve. Indeed, the bigger the audiences, the greater the experience. If we were you, we'd get a ticket and catch it sooner rather than later. Hit the bar before you take your seat and you are guaranteed to be entertained.  

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

I Heart Michael Ball plays at the Old Joint Stock until 28 May, with tickets available here, and has tour dates until August 2022.