Michael Ball

I understand the power of music, I understand the therapeutic nature of music, the sense of community that music engenders, so I totally understand why it still goes on, choirs come together as a focal point for a community.

Theatres, stages are dangerous places.

I don't think you last very well in this business if you're trendy because trends come and go.

I just work so much and so hard that I love the idea of being around family, friends and my animals quietly at home, just chilling out.

In 2005, I played Count Fosco in 'The Woman In White' on Broadway. It was a disaster. I was physically run down and terribly homesick and I just knew I had to leave. I lasted three months before the producers released me.

I love my fans and they follow me everywhere - I recognise a lot of faces.

I was very close to my grandmother, Agnes Parry. She was a typical matriarchal leader of the family and the community. People looked up to her and would always go to her for advice and help.

Bacharach has such a brilliant ear for melody and his music has a completely timeless feel to it; I thought it would be great to do a whole album of his music and to record with a full orchestra and big band which is something I hadn't done before.

I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. But then a lady at the youth theatre asked me if I'd ever thought of going to drama school.

You can generate a phenomenal relationship with an audience. It's very gratifying, a real privilege.

The only thing I won't eat is swede - I can't bear it.

I need to have a sleep before a show and a quiet hour. I need to get dressed following the same routine. And I like to smell right for a show.

You can't get down and dirty at the opera.

Musicals aren't two-dimensional froth.

You have to be on your game with a live audience because anything can change.

I sometimes feel I want to release an album without people knowing it is me.

Country songs are theatrical songs, they tell stories, and wear the hearts on their sleeves and they have great melodies.

I can't properly explain it, but I don't mind admitting I suffered a breakdown.

The biggest myth I'd like to bust isn't about me - it's about musicals. So many people dismiss the entire art form through highbrow snobbery, but I think a lot of those people would be suprised if they actually saw some.

I'm a fairly traditional British cook, as my partner Cathy doesn't enjoy spicy food, although I like to experiment myself.