The one lesson I’ve learned from life

Singer Michael Ball

MICHAEL BALL, 56, made his West End debut in Les Miserables, going on to win two Olivier Awards for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and the title role in Sweeney Todd. His 21st album is released in March. He lives with his partner, former Ready Steady Go! presenter Cathy McGowan.

TOUGH TIMES WON’T LAST FOR EVER

THERE is a story of a Persian king who gathered the wisest men in the world and asked them to impart their wisdom. He said he wanted all their wisdom distilled into a single phrase, and it was this: This, too, shall pass.

It’s a mantra I’ve lived by for as long as I can remember. Nothing lasts for ever.

When I was playing Marius in the inaugural production of Les Mis, I contracted glandular fever which developed into a post-viral depression.

I was 23 and I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.

Then producer Cameron Mackintosh asked me to take on the role of Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera. It was the lifeline I needed and gradually I climbed out of my pit of despair.

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 came back to no work at home — and then I was cast in Kismet. It’s where I met Alfie Boe, so it was the start of our successful collaboration [the singers’ first album together was one of the biggest selling LPs of 2016]. And then I was cast as Edna in Hairspray.

Of course, the mantra applies to the good times, too. About 18 months later, I was walking my dogs in Richmond Park on the most beautiful day. I’d just won the Olivier for Hairspray. I was happy at home with Cath. Life was as perfect as it could be. So I took a picture in my head. I never wanted to forget that moment.

But I know that life can change so quickly. There will be those times when you hit rock bottom again. But just keep reminding yourself: this, too, shall pass.

COMING Home To You by Michael Ball is released by Decca on March 22.