A musical theatre legend will transport readers to the roaring 20s when he visits Ely next month.

Michael Ball is coming back to Ely Cathedral on Thursday December 12 to talk about his scandalous book sequel 'A Backstage Betrayal'.

"Escape to the Empire Theatre with the new novel from musical theatre legend, Michael Ball," said Topping & Company Booksellers, who are organising the event.

"Glamour. Deceit. Secrets. Scandal. The theatre may seem glamorous, but secrets wait behind the curtain.

"1926. Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at The Empire.

"Following a turbulent period, Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife, Grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime.

"A new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.

"But could Lillian's new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake?

"Will The Empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star, Stella Stanmore? And what are their enemies in Highbridge planning?

"While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, Sally Blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break.

"As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there are strange goings on and a plot afoot.

"Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down? And could this be curtains for The Empire?"

The event starts at 7.30pm.

Visit www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/ely/michael-ball-2024/ for tickets and more information.