Michael Ball (singer) artist in a controversial 'Musical Theatre' Prom on 27 August 2007 for the BBC at London's Royal Albert Hall. Ball performed a wide range of musical theatre numbers, including several by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show was broadcast live on BBC Four, as well as on BBC Radio 3. From October 2007 – July 2009, Ball made his West End return starring as Edna Turnblad in the hit musical "Hairspray" at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. In March 2008, he was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal. He also won the Whatsonstage.com
Billy (musical) it 'the brightest British musical for years…it's going to hoist brilliant Michael Crawford into the ranks of the superstars.' " The Original Cast recording was released by CBS (70133) on May 1, 1974. Billy (musical) Billy is a musical based on the novel and play "Billy Liar" by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The book was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the music is by John Barry, and the lyrics are by Don Black. "Billy" opened at the Palace Theatre in Manchester before moving to the West End at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1 May