I Heart Michael Ball
#BallLovers unite for the 10th Biannual Meeting of the Michael Ball Appreciation society! Part-thriller, part-offbeat comedy, Split Infinitive's "I Heart Michael Ball" invites us to celebrate the honey-voiced icon, Marius from #LesMis himself: Michael Ball…🎶🎭
Alex, our host, sets the mood with interactive elements: an audience member reads the last meeting’s minute, we are encouraged to take an 'I ❤️ MB' pin to proudly express our #fandom, and a series of sentimental questions arise: 'When was the first time you heard his voice?', ' What’s your favourite Ball’s song?' We quickly realise that these aren't just interactive tools, but also disarming ones…
We soon discover that not all is as #fangirl as it seems. Sure, a dining room table doubling as a Michael Ball shrine -complete with mugs, posters, framed pictures, etc.- dominates the space. And a clear plastic tarpaulin that covers the floor entirely might give #Dexter vibes, but these are just #yellowflags, right..?👉👈
Things take a dark turn as we discover more about Alex’s backstory— how he discovered Michael Ball alongside his brother, George, and how they vowed to move to London & grow up to be just like him... The tone shifts quickly from boyish charm & awkward humour to something much more eerie😨
The ominous transition is perhaps a bit too sharp & leads to a confusing tone overall. At times, it will leave us with a bad taste in our mouths too, like when Millington, donning a bloody 'I ❤️ MB' fan tee & a blood-smeared face, serenades each audience member with an MB ballad. But these twists & turns hardly kill our curiosity, and we find ourselves genuinely asking ‘What next?!’ #intrigue
Curious much? To unveil the mysteries hidden in Alex's basement & discover his dulcet singing, attending #IHeartMichaelBall is a must. Indeed, Alexander Millington's vocal prowess goes beyond your usual #saturdaynight karaoke session...
In an age where everyone’s passions are plastered for all to see on social media, #IHeartMichaelBall tackles the darker side of #obsession. The twists & turns may leave us puzzled, yet our verdict is simple: come for music & memories but stay for the thrills & chills. 3/5⭐