Book info

• Title A Backstage Betrayal
• Author Michael Ball
• Year 2024
• Genre Historical

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?

Thoughts

The second book in Michael Ball’s theatre series is very similar to the first - taking our characters, with a slightly expanded cast list, and following them through the trials and tribulations of inter-war life and love whilst also trying to keep a theatre up and running. It’s a great read to chart the ups and downs of both the theatre’s fortunes and the relationships of those within. It’s not perfect writing but there’s an enthusiasm for the subject matter that you can’t fail to enjoy.

Rating: 3 / 5