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Career Profile of Carol Ball
photo
by Mark Harrison
Carol
is currently playing Alma Kappelhoft in Sentimental
Journey at The Mill, Sonning. This follows a long tour
in Hello Dolly in 2008. She trained with Phyllis Godfrey
in Hastings, where she later taught. She also taught
at the Thalia School of Speech and Drama in Bexhill.
She
ventured into Summer Shows, progressing from dancer
to soubrette and Principle Boy and latterly the Witch
in Pantomime.
Her
love of performing has seen her through a 43-year career,
which spans film, television, radio, West End and regional
theatre.
Although
not a ‘name’ in the public’s eye,
she is certainly well known in the theatre world. Carol’s
Tap skills have been useful along the way. She appeared
with Twiggy in the film The Boyfriend, and
tapped en pointe with Rudolph Nuryev in the film Valentino.
Much
of her TV work was in the 1970s and 1980s, but more
recently, she played Mrs Thaine in The Bill.
A 10-year run in the West End included Hello Dolly,
Chicago (the original!), They’re
Playing our Song. Two wonderful years at the Royal
National Theatre in five productions including Guys
and Dolls and Beggar’s Opera. She
staged three plays whilst there.
She
is mainly remembered for playing Anytime Annie in
42nd Street at Drury Lane for the entire four and
a half year run. Recent West End credits are Thoroughly
Modern Millie and Guys and Dolls, playing
Major Cartwright in 2007 for the last three months of
the run.
Regional
theatre features strongly in her career in productions
from Gypsy, Great Expectations, Follies Company,
Pirates of Penzance, Stepping Out and Mack
and Mabel (playing Lottie; her favourite part so
far). These are just some of her credits, but space
does not allow for an unfinished 43-year career.
Hopefully,
she will continue until she drops!
Carol has been involved in judging Star Tap, Janet Cram
and All England Dance since 1985 and has been examining
since 2000, which is something she enjoys hugely. All
thanks go to Mrs Ashcroft, who is her mentor and dear
friend.
Carol
Ball
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