Elaine Paige

Current Role

The first lady of British musical theatre, Elaine Paige starred in the West End version of The Drowsy Chaperone at the Novello theatre in London's West End.

The Drowsy Chaperone is a comical tale centred around a glamourous Broadway girl who decides to trade the glitz of the theatre world for a handsome man she plans to marry despite only knowing him a short while! Full of laughs this London musical fulfills its promise to entertain.

Early Life

Born in 1948 in Barnet, Hertfordshire, Elaine Paige was destined for stardom. Backed by her parents and teachers - in particular music teacher Mrs Ann Hill, Elaine perfected her musical abilities by attending drama school. From the focused environment of a performing arts school, Ms Paige went on to become one of the best known stars in the West End. Attending auditions from the creative environment of a school tailored to help her achieve success.

Career Highlights

Recognised not only for her contribution to theatre but also for her work producing theatrical productions, as well as a successful career as a recording artist - Elaine Paige has released over 10 solo albums, 7 cast albums and has achieved 8 consecutive gold and four multi-platinum albums as a recording artist.

Ms Paige was the first actress to take the role of Grizabella in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats, she was therefore the original voice of the hit musical track Memories and the inspiration behind others who went on to reprise the role.

Elaine Paige has had tremendous success over the years, performing in some of the most famous and well respected musicals of all time. These successes include;

• 1978 - Evita
• 1981 - Cat
• 1983 - Abbacadabra
• 1986 - Chess
• 1989 - Anything Goes
• 1993 - Piaf
• 1996 - Sunset Boulevard
• 1998 - The Misanthrope
• 2000 - The King and I

Elaine Paige has received many accolades for her work in the performing arts field including an OBE, a Variety Club of Great Britain award for Best Actress of the Year and several nominations for the prestigious Laurence Olivier awards. Her success as a singer has also been recognised with a whole host of awards from a Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors to a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Interesting Facts

• I Know Him So Well the duet with Barbara Dickinson was UK number 1 for four weeks and remains the biggest selling record by a female duo
• Hosted her own BBC TV special and presents a BBC Radio 2 programme
• Patron for Theatrecares the UK theatres response to HIV and AIDS

Awards