This is my favourite ever audio book and I can’t imagine anything ever topping it.

I am a huge fan of Michael, and having seen both the original Aspects and the new version in 2023 this is the ultimate read for me!

I have a signed hardback of the book, but to hear Michael narrate his own words and tell us first hand about his life and experience is priceless. He has such brilliant anecdotes and behind the scenes stories it felt like having him in the room chatting to me.

This is not just the story of Aspects if Love, but also the story if Michael’s fabulous life in show business, which has had many highs but he also describes his low points.

I laughed out loud so many times. I still giggle when I think about the shared microphone story.

This is an absolute must read for fans of Michael, as well as those who enjoy an entertaining auto biography.

I’ll be listening to this again and again!

Huge thanks to Bonnier UK audio for allowing me to read this via NetGalley.

This memoir held my interest, even as someone not inclined toward audio books. Michael Ball skillfully entwined his backstory with the revival of "Aspects of Love." The narrative struck a balance, offering just enough gossip without veering into negativity and blending self-effacement with good-natured name-dropping. A must-read for musical theatre enthusiasts, though Michael's national treasure status ensures broad appeal.
Having seen him live myself with Boe this was a fantastic read (listen) as he read it himself.

Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for this review.

Different Aspects transports the listener into the enduring love affair that is Michael Ball and the musical that made hum a superstar, 'Aspects of Love'. Through intimate insights, cheeky little anecdotes, technical explanations and boundless enthusiasm - all told with Ball's characteristic joie de vivre - the audience walks alongside Ball as he strolls through his memories from the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Aspects’ to his own revival production in 2023. It is a wondrous journey that alters from faltering footsteps of tender honesty, including Ball’s struggles with depression and anxiety; through galloping skipping of uproarious laughter and the shuffling sniggers of school boy cheekiness. All of it is thoroughly engaging and deliciously joyous as Ball disarmingly charms and sucks the listener in like an old friend, a co-conspirator and a salacious old gossip. It is everything theatre was always meant to be ‘darling’.

For all its bonhomie and the delightfully conspiratorial storytelling, ‘Different Aspects’ highlights the absolute love and respect that Micheal Ball has for musical theatre and everyone involved from the stagehands to the directors or the superstars he has known. The grace and gratitude with which Ball speaks about so many people and of his experiences, good and bad, enriches the story through self deprecating ease (despite also accepting his own diva moments). It is therefore so painfully ironic that the manner in which Ball spoke about Sir Roger Moore, his involvement in the original ‘Aspects’ production and his general camaraderie and generosity of spirit is how I was left feeling about Ball during what felt like our fireside chat.

This is not solely a memoir for fans of musical theatre or even Michael Ball himself. This is a book for people who love a good honest personal story; for people who love a good gossip with a friend; for those who just want a big hug and the occasional fart joke. Yes, ‘Different Aspects’ provides very clear explanations of the inner world of the theatre and what it takes to stage a huge production- logistically, financially, professionally and personally. But, through Ball’s gregarious charm the listener is welcomed into the life of the man himself and worlds he traverses with, what he would admit himself, not the best dancing feet.

I loved this memoir. I am not a very good audio book listener but Michael Ball kept me captivated with this tale. I loved how it wove his backstory around the story of the revival of Aspects of Love. There was just the right amount of gossip without being too ‘bitchy’ and enough self effacing to counter the good natured name dropping.
Definitely one for fans of musical theatre although Michael is enough of a national treasure now to appeal to many people.

I listened to Michael Ball’s new memoir Different Aspects read by him. You can never go wrong with an audio book and that accent  I truly enjoyed listening to him tell his story, it was like sitting back and listening to a friend recount his memories. He has great stories; he does not brag, nor does he bash. Ball provides insight into the making of a theatrical hit. He gives us the insight into the world of musical theatre and takes us through the process of bringing a show to the West End stage. He talks about rehearsals, stage pranks, people he has met and worked with, battling stage fright that had threatened his career, recounts back-stage arguments with the boss, and shares details of meeting long-term partner Cathy. This is not just book all about Michael but a book about the theatre, I learnt a lot.

Bonus at the end he shares his favourite plays, movies, and music of all time. I found myself singing Love Changes Everything often throughout the days while listening this book. I will say I was most disappointed that the track was not included.
If you like musicals, I highly recommend this memoir.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this book - could listen to his voice all day. He really brought the anecdotes to life. Even some singing at the end.

A really enjoyable listen. I think it was definitely made more reversing with the man himself reading it.
It was a great insight into the world of theatre, and the differences between the original production and the modern day, with changes having to be made to maker it socially acceptable.
Any theatre goer will love this, I know I did.

I’m a massive fan Michael Ball so was looking forward to reading this, I ended up reading this along with the audiobook (nothing like being read to by the man himself)

I really enjoyed reading about his earlier career and life in the theatre, also his time spent living abroad

A must read for any fan

Sorry - did not realise this was audio book only. Listened to the introduction and found it a bit spooky having Michael read to me.

I must start by saying that I was fortunate enough to have listened to the audiobook and I say that because, had I been reading, I may have given up.

This is obviously very much about the author (the clue is in the title) and it is very theatrical with lots of; ‘lovey’, ‘darling’ and a tad ‘me me me’. But, listening to the author read it, absolutely brings it to life and I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘peep behind the curtain’ way that Michael takes the listener along as a participant in this joyful, interesting, insightful memoir.

It’s an entertaining listen and despite my not being a musical theatre fan, it captivated me and made me want to go. I think of Michael Ball as a female Elaine Page and listening to this absolutely endorsed that view. It’s very Aspects of Love focussed, but, again, the clue is in the title.

A must for fans of the author and/or, musical theatre aficionados or, if, like me, you just need a light listen, in this world of gloom and despondency.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bonnie’s UK Audio for the opportunity to preview.

Loved this biography audio book. Read by the author himself too. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Different Aspects by Michael Ball and Narrated by Michael Ball himself.
was a wonderful audiobook, is the magical memoir from the West End legend, Michael Ball and it just took my breath away. It was just beautiful for start to finish and I fell in love with his voice all over again!

Michael is the most fabulous storyteller and transports his listener into his world, you become apart of the audiobook. It was wonderful. I felt he was in the room with me sitting with a cup pf coffee having a friendly chat. Not many people in show business can do that........

A must audiobook full of cheer and laughters throughout. But be aware, you may cough on your coffee is some parts as it made me lol.
Just brilliant!

Nice audiobook covering Michael Balls raise to fame after Aspects Of Love. Read by the author which I always prefer when listening to a memoir.

It’s no surprise that I loved this. As you can see, I’ve got the Festive Edition from Tesco, so was a little cheeky when I requested the audiobook from NetGalley but to have a chance to hear Mr Ball himself read his own words and tell his story was too much to resist. 🎧

I read along and annotated as much as I could but, at times, I just sat back and enjoyed the pure joy that is Michael Ball.
He was so vibrant, animated and you could hear the emotion in his voice. At times it was filled with sadness but more often than not, just full of pure joy, bringing (practically) every word to life.
The smile rarely left my face.

Michael is a gregarious and beautiful person who I would describe as having a joie de vivre.

A simple “ASPECT” (lol) I loved was the mimicking of having a telephone conversation. I can’t explain why, just did.

The memoir itself is wonderful, darling lol.
Full of interesting facts, anecdotes, theatre/musical terminology and so much LOVE, especially for his partner Cathy you can just hear how much he adores her and how beautiful, supportive and right (lol) she is. So magical. ♥️

An amazing book and gorgeous audio.
Plus, if you get the audiobook, there’s a little bonus material, too! ♥️

Michael leaves singing “Love Changes Everything” which made me smile even more! 🥰

Thank you so much, Bonnier Books & NetGalley, for the audiobook. I loved it! 🎧♥️

My thanks to Bonnier Uk publishers and NetGalley for an audio version of “ Different Aspects” for an honest review.
I was going to read this book in print , but when I got the chance to listen to it instead, something that I do very rarely, I leapt at the chance.
I find Michael Ball to be a very entertaining performer.He has a really likability, and a wonderful voice..The fact that he was narrating this definitely added to my enjoyment.
It was great to hear how he got to where he is now , both on and off stage.
Highly recommended

I was really keen to read this book as I am a big fan of Michael Ball and have seen him in concert a few times. I’ve not actually seen him in a musical yet though I’d love to. In this memoir, he tells of his musical career, strongly linking it with the musical Aspects of Love which turned him into a household name, particularly with the success of the song Love Changes Everything.

I chose to listen to the audio version of the book and I’m so glad I did. It’s narrated by Michael himself of course and it feels like you’re sitting having a cosy chat and catch-up with him. I did actually answer a few of his questions! You even get treated to a few snippets of singing which is a real treat.

As well as many anecdotes from his glittering career, you get a really interesting insight into exactly how a stage show is produced, mostly musicals of course. You hear about all the stages from the initial idea, through casting, rehearsals and the performances themselves. There’s a healthy dose of name-dropping of course, big names too. But you would hardly expect anything less given the people that Michael Ball has worked with over the years.

Michael comes across as sincere, warm and funny. For such a big star, he is very self-deprecating about his talent while acknowledging that he has been incredibly successful. I can see why he has the reputation as the nicest man in showbusiness as he seems to genuinely care for his co-stars and others who are involved in the shows he’s worked on.

Different Aspects is an entertaining, warm and funny book from a man who clearly loves his profession. As we are coming up to Christmas, I would say that this is a perfect gift for fans of Michael Ball.

I requested this book for my wife who is a big fan of Michael’s, so the review is basically hers, she loved it, especially as it’s narrated by the man himself

I love Michael Ball and Musical theatre so was really looking forward to this.
I really enjoyed it especially as it’s read by Michael himself.
Easy listen and an interesting insight into the world of theatre.
Obviously this mainly covered Aspects but gave lots of other information.
Also loved the extra little bit with Michael’s too 5’s
Thank you

It has to be said that Michael Ball is very full of himself. Actually, I think the first person to state this would be Michael Ball! He knows what he's good at and isn't afraid to say it. Or anything else, really. But he's a consummate storyteller, and this really comes across in this audiobook. Hearing him tell the story softens the edges of some of his more blunt opinions and makes for a very entertaining listen.

Every actor, aspiring actor and theatre fan should listen to this incredible book.

This is not just the story of a glittering career; Michael talks about his fears, failures, stage fright and mental health, amongst the successes, stories and hilarious anecdotes.

I loved Michael’s (sometimes brutal) honesty but always, ALWAYS, with the utmost respect for his colleagues, whether they were Roger Moore or the company seafront.

The fart-induced corpsing had me crying with laughter 😂

A tale of made up lyrics, being rescued by a little old lady in the front row and twitching on the subway, which is narrated brilliantly by, of course, Michael himself, which really sets this apart.

The ultimate cheeky chappie who readily admits he loves meeting a celebrity, well, so do I, darling, and I want to meet Michael Ball!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Ball and Bonnier for an ARC in return for an honest review.