Michael Ball on Glow, Willy Wonka and Why the Fear Never Completely Goes Away

The MarshyCast

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Wednesday, 30 September 2026 - 14 minutes

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Michael Ball has spent more than four decades performing on some of the biggest stages in musical theatre.

But despite all that experience and success, there's still a voice in his head asking: Am I good enough?

It's something Michael spoke remarkably openly about when he joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast.

Michael is heading back out on the road with his new show, Glow, including a date at Portsmouth Guildhall, and we talked about what audiences can expect and, perhaps more importantly, how he wants people to feel when they walk out afterwards.

We also talked venues.

Portsmouth Guildhall has welcomed some extraordinary performers over the years, but life backstage isn't always quite as glamorous as audiences might imagine.

Michael recalled one particular venue where the facilities included a shower... in a hallway.

Nothing says showbusiness quite like trying to wash your hair while somebody wanders past looking for the dressing room.

Our conversation also turned to Michael's latest theatrical challenge: playing Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Taking on such an iconic character might be daunting for any performer, but Michael admitted that even after everything he's achieved, he can still be plagued by the fear that he isn't good enough for a role.

It was fascinating to hear someone with his experience talk so candidly about self-doubt and how it hasn't simply vanished with success.

We also discovered some common ground through radio.

Michael has spent plenty of time behind the microphone himself, and we talked about the best interviews being the ones that stop feeling like interviews altogether. Rather than mechanically working through a list of questions, they become two people having a conversation.

Which, appropriately enough, is exactly where our own chat ended up.

Before Michael escaped, I had one final question.

Across a career containing so many memorable characters, if he could perform just one of his previous roles again, which would he choose?

His answer gives us a lovely look back at an extraordinary stage career while Glow and Willy Wonka point towards what's still to come.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Michael Ball now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

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