Sue Friend
Lovely evening. It was my birthday. And I'd been given 2 tickets to attend by someone who couldn't make it. Totally made my day.

David Cullen
Can't believe some of the negative comments. This was just a two hour slot taking up one evening during the proms. I loved the Queen song. He's not really my cup of tea, but I did find myself enjoying the 2 hours. Maybe we can have this one night during the proms dedicated to other types of popular music. Let the classical afficionado's chomp on that one.

Sue Giffin
Watched on tv. Very impressive. Actually, this whole season has been remarkably watchable. In UK, we are world leaders in musical theatre yet we still debate whether it deserves a place in 'serious venues'?? i agree the Pearl Fishers' duet was probably a bridge too far but would wager more Bizet recordings sold this week that since they were first written. and is that not the point of it all? Mr Ball filled the Hall with his voice, personality and obvious love of music. Bravura performance. ps. Critics, please desist from personal insults about his appearance - that's truly tacky. Sue, North Yorkshire

Andrew, Bournemouth
Ball, who resembled an overgrown hamster in a tuxedo ooozed smugness and shouted out every song, even supposed tender love ballards. His female guest singer was out of tune, and you couldn't hear the orchestra, just balls voice who put a vibrato into every note sung, just dreadful!

jfegredo
I had an amazing night. Michael was as superb as usual delighting everyone there. My 14 year old daughter came seeing him live for the first time. She adores him as much as me! I loved the duet with Alfie singing the duet from the Pearl Fishers; it was so moving. Seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber there gave it the ultimate stamp. Please, please let there be a DVD. Well done Michael!

Jonathan, Canterbury
In a word - awful - and this is shown on BBC4 yet the Vienna Phil, Lucerne Festival, Boston Symphony and more are not. What more can one say!

Elaine
As a genuine lover of all types of music I cannot understand the cutting remarks regarding Michael Ball's Prom. Michael is a Performer to be proud of. I have seen countless concerts over the years (including Michael's) and I can honestly say Michael is the very best singer I have ever seen perform live. He is 100% value for money. He gives his all at every performance and his fantastic Prom was no different. He thoroughly deserved his chance to shine at the Proms - he has earned it. He is a Shining Star and to TOP IT ALL he is OUR SHINING STAR. Well done Michael - don't listen your Critics in this instance - some people just have to knock real talent, they just can't help themselves !!

Valerie from Middx
What a wonderful evening. Michael was wonderful as always. Please don't knock the fact that he is not classically trained. He made a magical evening for so many people and worked so very hard. Thankyou for giving Michael the chance to be part of the Proms. The orchestra was wonderful as always to. I will certainly go out and buy the DVD if you are kind enough to bring one out. Thankyou again BBC for the wonderful evening with the one and only MICHAEL BALL!

RSHBristol
Just heard it on Listen Again before they wipe it as missed the actual night. Never a great fan of Mr Ball, I was sceptical. I did hear some imperfections and a few over ambitious moments, but overall it brought Musical Theatre into the area where it should receive the respect it deserves as a musical genre in which the Brits have always excelled. As you can hardly see anything but Musicals in the West End these days, its fairly obvious that a huge audience will love an entire evening ocne a year devoted to them in our greatest Musicfest - the Proms. Ivor Novello and Noel Coward would have leapt at the chance! So maybe the time is right at last. Read Matthew Parris this weekend on "class" in England. Plus ca change etc.

James
I cannot believe that Michael Ball oversang the female guest artist at the end of their duet!! How poor and professional to hold a note longer than your partner! Tacky Mr Ball, very tacky!

Wally Francis
Interesting!! A triumph of personality over music.

Nick - Richmond
As a fan of musical theatre I did enjoy Michael Ball, though what was disappointing was the unfortunate chip on his shoulder, as to whether he should be there at all. He was only paid to sing. During my 10 years at the proms I had seem some fantastic performances including this years Venezuelan Youth Orchestra - many other performances go unnoticed.

Randy Rively
My first time Promming and I loved it! Bravo.

Jerry, Gibraltar
Just heard a replay on bbc radio 3. Just amazing. Please, Please, there has to be aDVD release of this concert. It was too good to miss. Well done BBC for organising such an event!! Thanks

NC, London
What a disgrace. No wonder the Empire is crumbling.

Mariet
Michael ball picked his audience up in his arms and took them with him as he sang his way through wonderful songs from musical theatre. He is an entertainer with a connection to his audience many performers I'm not sure would sell their soul for. Why anyone should have been expecting to hear a trained operatic voice I don't know and it is unfair to make the comparison. him to one. Great to see Bunthorne in the G&S number great for those who missed it first time round.

Rob Price, Slough
Ball entertained and showed how to fill a house, maybe not the critics taste, but what a way to show others what the 'Proms' are about, introducing people to MUSIC whatever style it is, especially when done well.

Meda Salam
I felt that this show was a such a breath of fresh air to the Albert Hall! Whether or not Michael Ball had sung or not there was evidently a void that needed to be filled by the music of musical theatre! I say that all these music purists need to take a better look and learn to appreciate this music in the same way we appreciate that of the classical world! Michael Ball was awesome!! We love him!!

Joy John
From a true Opera Lover can I say the night was wonderful. There is room for all kinds of music.

Linda
A wonderful evening. Michael Ball was amazing. Please let us have a DVD.

Daniel, Milan
Thanks to the internet I was able to enjoy this fantastic performance!! What a voice! Grazie

Sue in France
Wonderful as always.

Andrea, Hampshire
We have been to over 20 of Michael's concerts and as always he gave a superb performance for regular fans (ballets) and I’m sure plenty of new ones were made on Monday. I Look forward to your next concert, Michael, on the South Coast.

Susan Saunders
I believe Michael Ball's performance and voice on Monday evening was very average. He gives the impression of being a little too confident to the point of being careless and thinks that if he smiles sweetly at the audience and make jokey comments all will be forgiven. In fact, in the second half he seemed to become very dependent on the backing vocals to see him through. There are some wonderful musical songs and I believe there is a place for them in the Proms but let's have them performed by a strong musical cast who can send the songs reverberating around the Albert Hall. This was indeed only an "Evening with Michael Ball".

Diana, Cornwall
Has the world stopped turning because Michael Ball has performed a Promenade Concert? No, it is spinning faster than ever and his star is shining bright! What an evening, he was superb. What a voice! More next year please.

Hayley Waddell, Stoke-on-Trent
A great night of entertainment. Michael was brilliant; just as he had been the previous night at Bryn Terfel's Faenol Festival. His diction was excellent; a lot of the time I can't tell what the classical singers are singing at the proms and yes I have watched many before! He has a great ability to put the audience at their ease and encourages everyone to enjoy themselves.The concert was magical and I felt I was in the RAH (I wish I had been) instead of the TV. I would love to see it repeated. Congratulations Michael on a fantastic performance, you deserve it. Well done!

Deborah, York
Having listened to most of the other Proms, I switched on prepared to engage in "something different". I was disappointed enough to switch off at half time - perhaps I missed something fantastic in the second half? The music was OK but Michael Ball is nothing special - unlike the many other fantastically talented performers in the other concerts I had heard previously (none of whom seemed to have quite as high an opinion of them self as Mr Ball either!). Please keep the Proms for superlative musicians and leave Mr Ball to sing at the Palladium.

Peter, Marbella
I must have been watching a different concert,from the majority of your letters.Ball's voice was average and certainly did not do justice to several musical songs..was he "flat" at one point? The often banal comments between songs was unnecessary and cringeing..why take a pop,several times at the prom establishment ? OK he can jump around the stage,but there was NO "hair on the back of your neck" excitement which you should expect when such a repertoire is being performed...the "support cast" were no better...opera singers?

Ellie, Portsmouth
This was a fabulous show from the wonderful choice of songs to the quality of the voice. Lets have it again next year.

Steve, Malton
Great night,one of michaels best shows,what a great venue,will there be a dvd.

Jackie Shrewsbury
Fabulous concert as always. As a fan of Michael for more than 22 years, I knew he would not disappoint. He has as much right to be doing a Proms as anyone. Plus at last someone who celebrates British culture and the music of (the unfairly criticised) Andrew Lloyd Webber. Well done Michael. I'd love him to release a version of 'The Prayer' on CD which he performed at the Prom. Please come back for more of the same.

Debra, Southport
I thought it was wonderful and my friend (who is not a Michael Ball fan) texted me to say he was awesome.

Craig, Harrogate
An excellent prom! To all of you who think the proms are for classical music only and nothing else, you only need to look at this one to prove you wrong. Yes the audience was a mix of die-hard fans, first time prommers and seasoned listeners, but the reception was still fantastic. I go to the proms to be entertained and was blown away from start to finish by a professional who knows how to do exactly that. Yes it was cheesy at moments (I think Michael needs to work on his timpani technique!), but it was a smooth, well rehearsed concert that showed off a performer doing what he is good at. To those of you who want to try singing in the Albert Hall without amplification on top of full orchestra, added saxes, bass and electric guitar and drum kit - I'll pay for your Albert Hall tour pass and you can sing on stage til your hearts content. The Albert Hall was not designed as a concert venue and will never have the acoustic properties of some of our country's better halls. The performance was credit to the sound, lighting and production crews who made it work. I've been to a number of proms where you can't hear a thing and the hall just soaks up the energy and excitment of the performance - Ball blew the roof off. More of the same, we have to move with the times to keep the proms fresh and exciting.

Bridie, Nottingham
Listened on Radio, such a fabulous voice, so warm and inviting. Would definately go to see Michael Ball in concert, he's definately got me hooked! Should a stage star be involved in the Proms? YES YES YES! This will open the door to people who would otherwise switch off thinking the Proms are for the snobby element of society. Thank you Michael Ball!

Susie
michael You ROCK Baby! What a night. Fabulous! Loved every minute. You are AMAZING...

KC
Another listener from the U.S. In a word -- fantastic. Having seen Michael in Patience I was delighted to hear him sing Am I Alone again. The Pearl Fishers Duet was also outstanding, and I enjoyed Alfie's Torna a Surriento.

Sylvia
Wonderful show great humour Michael Ball, is the best ,Callum as conductor was great with such a wonderful orchestra will watch this show repeatedly .Perhaps these promers should come into the year 2007 where all things should be possible and stop being so rude about Michael,Thank you again Michael and guests for a wonderful show

YZ, London
There were certainly moments where Michael Ball was ok. He's always enthusiastic but his voices does fail him from time to time. Perhaps too many jokes about "high culture", appears to be condescending to the audience. Also the duet with an opera singer was a mistake, reminded me of David Brent distinctly.

Julie, Staffs
Absolutely fantastic, Michael Ball is the best!! A very emotional evening, no other singer can instill so many emotions in such a short time ... 2 hours just wasn't long enough!!! Bring Michael back again next year!!

Ozzie Bird
I was there and thought it was absolutely fantastic!! Hope it is put on DVD. Good on you Michael!

Sue, Birmingham
I don't know how anyone can criticise Michael's voice and performance. I was there he was superb, he has the ability to sing any genre of song to perfection, its a shame that some cannot accept him for the truly versatile performer that he is and agree that he deserved his appearance at the proms. Long may he be present there!

Sue, Chester
What a fantastic evening! Hope this will be shown again as I think a lot of people will have missed out on this fantastic performance.Well done Michael! You deserved to be there!Looking forward to Hairspray next!Thank you for a wonderful evening that I didn't want to end!

Paul Bullough
I watched the first half on telly and it was very entertaining by any standards. Everyone knew what this event was about , and it was a great idea to have such a family-friendly show on bank holiday Monday. But who was the guy being interviewed in the interval who talked about women fantasising about Michael Ball while they were 'doing it'? This was not helpful for selling the concert to those who regarded this prom as being in poor taste.{which it wasn't).

Ian, Kent
Its nice to know the CLASS system in this country is still alive and kicking even though we all pay our licence fees for the proms!!!!

Carolyn Bell Yorkshire
A truly fantastic evening by a fantastic polished perfomer. To all those classical snobs who shuddered at the thought of a Musical Theatre performer taking part in the Proms, just take a look at the smiles on the faces of all those in the Albert Hall last night - something we need more of during these troubled times.Well done Mr Kenyon for bringing a breath of fresh air to the Proms.The best show on TV for years - MORE please.

Sheila, Hertfordshire
I have to say it was a brilliant night, however, I was a bit puzzled when I saw the size of the microphone heads and it did seem to at times loose some of the power of the words over the orchestra playing, sometimes making it seem that you couldn't hear clearly what they were singing. The worst time I think was when Izzy was playing you could barely hear her violin properly and we're sat in the stalls. However, I think that the BBC did well to go for it and may it continue from year to year now that it's been done once and broken the ground rules. Good on you Michael your a very versatile singer.

Abi 15
i thought last at the proms was the best yet altough if the critics thought that the veiwers werent getting a good preformance than maybe they would like to stand up for 2 hours and sing musicals so instead of critising micheal people should be applauding him for him being the one to make the proms appeal to the young people out there an oustanding night and i was entertained from the minute it started to the minute we left please have more of the same thank you

Debbie Smith
Wow! You had to be there to fully appreciate the performance. People liked it so much that they left their seats in the arena to join the crowd in front of the stage for the second half of the concert. I just wish people would realise that the Proms are supposed to be for the people and having taken our 15 year old daughter with us she said it was the greatest night so far. When are people going to realise that we are not all classical buffs and it is great to celebrate the musical theatre world. We were there and the standing ovations he received during the evening were numerous. An absolutely outstanding performance, the Royal Albert Hall was buzzing! More please! Thank you!

Heather, Aberystwyth
I heard the second half and thoroughly enjoyed the program. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is special as is John Miles' Music. I cringed when the violonist was playing - whatever was being transmitted into her ear-piece - she was so sharp. Spoilt the Music!

Kelly, Essex
Fantastic night. Michael Ball took the Proms and gave them a very big shake up. More, More!

Margaret, London
Absolutely marvellous.Wish I had videod it so I could listen to Michael's fantastic voice again and again.

Greig Taylor
fanatstic prom more of the same bbc

Yvonne, Kent
First time Ive watched a whole prom evening FANTASTIC well done Michael lets end the musical snobbery

Annie
Fantastic night.

Tina, Hammersmith
Ball in the Hall -Michael, as always you were fantastic. The RAH was full to bursting. Take no notice of the critics. Your fans will always be there to support you. I should imagine that the takings at the box office for last night will be proof alone of just how popular you are. You could have filled Hyde Park (Now there's a thought!. Here's hoping that Prom 58 is released on DVD - SOON

Carol, Scotland
A wonderful evening of beautiful music, emotion, energy and a versatility that not many other perfomers could deliver. Glad to see musical theatre celebrated in real style as part of our rich culture. More please!

Ruthie
I loved every bit of the concert. Michael Ball is an extraordinary performer.

Tricia, Wincanton, Somerset
What an evening that was!!!!! Michael was the best that I have ever seen him do. That versitial in every note he sung. It was my 1st time in thr RAH I will certainly go again if michael is There.How some people critersis HIM ia terrible even if you dont like music YOu must admit HE was GREAT!! so was alfie and the lady who sang, and the lady on the violin. Callum was brill!! well done everyone OH I was the one who shouted the loudist. NOT done at the RAH but we all didLOVE IT

Sarah Wade
Have never attended a prom before but went because of Michael Ball, would definitely go again to a prom concert if he was there, he is totally brilliant and had me spell bound all evening what an entertainer and such a natural. Come on you prom critics eat your words you know he is great

Chris and David, Doncaster
Just 'happened' upon the Michael Ball prom last night and was spell bound - we loved every minute of it and just hope it will be repeated on BBC1 or 2. His choice, performance and special guests were top class.

Sue, Florida USA
Grateful but jealous. I feel grateful for the internet and BBC for letting me HEAR such a great concert from across the pond. But I'm also jealous of those who could SEE it on TV. I only hope there will be a video version of the concert that works on US televisions! Michael is so amazing. He can do anything!

Thomas, Blackpool
You see it's one to be able to sing a song technically well. As of course an opera singer would do. It's quite another to perform them with every ounce you've got. That's what Michael did last night. Bravo Mr Ball I doubt the critics will agree that would take some serious back peddling on their part. You did youself proud thanks BBC for supporting the show.

Yvonne, Bicester
Well - I was there and from where I was looking down from it didn't seem to be empty at all. I loved every minute of it and think that the standing ovation at the end should give an indication of how good an evening it was.

Sally, Scotland
Stunning night! Watched it on TV; Michael Ball at his best. Fantastic songs delivered by a fantastic performer. Hope there'a a DVD of the whole night, could watch ot forever!

Shirley, Kent
Excellent should do more proms like it, what an enchanting evening!!!

Una
Absolutely marvellous can we have more

Linda, Northamptonshire
Wonderful evening. Loved every minute of it. Michael Ball's voice just gets better and better. The addition of Alfie Boe in the duet from the Pearl Fishers with Michael just added to it. The standing ovation and applause at the end should be testimony in itself to how successful the evening was. Critics think again! Well done BBC for putting this event on.

Jayne Jones
As usual when Michael Ball is on the stage - absolutely fabulous -'The Proms' needs more of this type of show. Well done Michael and guests.Hope to see Michael at 'The Proms' for years to come!!

Theresa, Herts
Excellent concert. Only wish I'd been there.

Suzie
Good grief. I switched on during the Pearl Fishers duet, and it was dreadful - out of tune, embarrassing.

Simon, West Sussex
What a shame that the BBC thinks that the Proms are the place for a Radio Two pop concert. The performance of the Bizet was laughable: no properly-trained classical singer needs to use a microphone. I thought it very telling that much of the arena was empty, and that quite a few of the audience were out of their seats at the end of the first half before the orchestra had finished. Perhaps that is why the conductor strode off the stage without taking a bow. What an embarrasssment!

Thoroughly Good
Michael Ball's appearance at the Royal Albert Hall turned out to be the most disappointing evening of this year's season. Whilst his voice still demonstrates the silky smooth Michael Ball we all know and love, the reliance on relative short "excerpts" interspersed with ocassionally agonising personal recollections made this an uncomfortable event. Musical theatre is fantastic. Let's have a concert performance of a Sondheim show.

Richard Harris
oh dear

Pedro
Refreshing-Relaxing-Entertaining-One of the most enjoyable proms, music for all to enjoy.

Cheryl Harris
What a fantastic evening. At 8pm prompt, Michael came on stage and wowed us with his amazing voice and personality. How lucky we were to be able to be at the evening with him. With songs from Les Mis, Phantom, Passions, Aspects of Love (of course) and many more we enjoyed a truly lovely evening. Michael's voice has got better with age and you could clearly see how much he (and we)enjoyed it. A great addition to the BBC Proms - thank you, thank you thank you for adding this concert to your Proms.

Joanne Canty
What a night!!!!! Michael Ball yet again rocked the RAH and to hear him perform with the BBC Concert Orchestra was a real treat - from the classics such as Empty Chairs and Love Changes Everything to new tracks such as The Show Must Go On. The crowning moment though was seeing him partner Alfie Boe for a rendition of the Pearl Fishers duet - pure magic... His voice just gets better and better. I am sure this is the most lively audience the Proms has ever seen (with exception of Last Night) and just goes to show all those snooty critics that said that this concert was "dumbing down the Proms" - it was the best night ever!!!

Rojales Hills
Thank you,thank you, thank you! Absolutely fantastic! Michael Ball and Muscials- a sure-fire success. Well done the BBC.

Laura,Bicester, Oxfordshire
I was there last night and I thought Michael was great. It's the only Prom I fancied attending and would return, if there was another musical night next year. A truly entertaining evening.

V.K. Davies
Congratulations to Michael Ball - what a fabulous evening. He certainly proved his reputation as the leading man of musical theatre and I hope that cynics listened to the words of Patience. Marvellous!

Valerie
I am an "old fashioned" classical musician. However I thought the Michael Ball Prom was fabulous, a great display of talent from everyone including the composers and arrangers. I am happy to have more like this.

Geraldine Porter
fantastic, wonderful

Alan
yessss

Sharon
What a fantastic performance from Michael Ball last night. He worked the stage, fans and Orchestra with ease. 'Nervous', I don't believe it. He belonged and owned the hallowed stage last night. The supporting stars were also tremendous and the duet between Alfi Boe and Michael singing the 'Pearl fishers' left you emotionaly drained from the beauty and the power of emotion they managed to create in such a wonderful venue.Sometimes the Orchestra was too loud and drowned out the singing but in the quieter moments when a note was held you could hear a pin drop from the spell Michael cast over the audience. It was definately worth being there to witness such a magical evening. Well done Michael, more please.

A.Rouse
Only caught the last hour - but what a fabulous hour - wish I had been there to absorb the atmosphere. Michael Ball's enjoyment of the evening was obvious to all watching and in turn was clearly enjoyed by all. Hope there will be a DVD of the concert. This performance added to the vast experience and rich variety of the the Proms and provided us with en evening to remember, as do all the concerts.

Acoustician
What a wonderful change of pace, and introduction the talents of the British musical theater - at least for those us not versed. Good stuff.

Carolyn Smith
A brilliant performance by all - well done to Michael, Callum McLeod and the BBC Concert Orchestra - the music was absolutely breathtaking!

Freppond
Proms listener in the U.S. In a word, embarrassing.

Bettina Walker
Thank you for a fabulous two hours of truly excellent television. Great TV production and interval talks. An inspired programme. Michael Ball is a true star.

Lovell Home
Absolutely brilliant performance. That's one show I would be happy to see repeated again and again.

Sue Inverness
Please can we have Michael Ball back next year? What ever you think about his particular type of musicial theatre, you cannot but admire his very polished and professional performance - a very talented performer. People have voted with their feet and filled the Albert Hall to capacity. Do you have 100% occupancy for every classical concert outside the first and last nights. Well done to Michael Ball and his guests. A wonderfully entertaining and excellent evening.

PB Musician
Loved every minute of it. Critics,eat your words !. What versatility, what a performer !Repeat it again next year ..and the year after...and the year after

Joyce, London
How disappointing! Love the songs so far BUT can't see Ball's face or Boe's face due to the microphone which can't seem to be more than two inches from their faces! And Boe is a trained singer?