“The first time I encountered Stephen Sondheim was like everyone else: ...” — Michael Ball Quote

“The first time I encountered Stephen Sondheim was like everyone else: through snatches of old songs people performed in drama school, through 'Send in the Clowns,' which everyone knew. I wasn't aware at the time that he was the writing force behind 'West Side Story' and 'Gypsy.'”

“There's something about the security and warmth of knowing that one person who, whatever happens, will always be on your side.”

“I got involved in the Surrey Country youth theatre which led me to go to drama school where I realised that this was going to have to be my career, and I was really lucky to get big breaks early on.”

“I don't think any of us think of ourselves as artists or actors - clowns, we'll accept that label.”

“There are a lots of clowns in our family - our house is a fun house.”

“I first came to Russia because of the culture, literature and music... and my interest in the 19th-century revolutionary spirit of Herzen, Bakunin and Kropotkin. Russia is a wonderful place to bring new clowns because Russians give back a wonderful response.”