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ELAINE PAIGE The singer and radio broadcaster is back on tour, singing some of the classics which made her name plus tunes from contemporary songwriters. Here she muses on Dick Whittington, Roger Federer and Daphne du Maurier First record you ever bought One of the first albums I bought was Sunshower by Thelma Houston, an album written entirely by the great Jim Webb whose songs I sing in the show. But the actual first ever record I bought was ‘Magic Moments’, a 45rpm single by Perry Como for my mum.
Last extravagant purchase you made It’s probably a gown for onstage, for a concert or an event. I’ve recently been having fittings for my Queen Rat costume for this year’s London Palladium pantomime, Dick Whittington; it’s being designed and made by Hugh Durrant who is a genius. He’s designed for Cher . . . but I’m not going to be THAT brave! First film you saw that really moved you It has to be West Side Story. It inspired me to follow a career in this industry after completing a three-year course at drama school.
Last lie you told I don’t lie. I find it always comes back and bites you on the . . . bum! Always best to be honest whatever the consequences.
First crush His name was Mick Eagling at secondary school! Where is he now?
Last time you were star struck Has to be meeting Roger Federer. He’s my tennis hero. Doesn’t get better than that!
First thing you’d do if you ran the country Oh, don’t get me started . . . how many pages have we got? 128 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017
Currently I’m hankering after running Transport for London! No: perhaps best leave this unanswered!
Last meal on earth Roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings: mint sauce and lots of gravy. First three words your friends would use to describe you Funny, generous, kind . . . and gorgeous. Oh that’s four words! Am I allowed four? Surely I’m allowed four . . .
Last funny thing you saw online I can’t remember the last thing as my friends are always sending me funny pictures, jokes and videos. My favourite I can remember is the baby panda that sneezes and scares its mother: it still makes me giggle. First job My mother was a milliner, so I used to work in her hat shop sometimes after school and on a Saturday. But my first proper job was at 16 when I landed the role of an urchin in the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd.
Last crime you committed What? Really? I’ve never committed a crime! Well . . . unless you count smoking grass on the roof of the Shaftesbury Theatre when I was in Hair in the 60s. But I was never arrested. First book you read for a second time I love Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and have read it more than twice. It really draws you in and hooks you as a reader. If you haven’t read it, do so: you won’t be disappointed.
Last song at your funeral Something stirring, something that makes everyone leave feeling triumphant. Maybe ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ or ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. I know: what about something from Dreamgirls: ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’!! Ha ha ha.
First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning I’m still here! Ha ha ha ha. Elaine Paige In Concert, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Oct; Elaine Paige on Sunday, Radio 2, Sun, 1pm.
NEXT ISSUE WED 2 NOV
P H O T O
: F R A S E R C A M E R O N
Not long to go now until our 2017 Hot 100. Our annual countdown of who’s who in Scottish arts and culture is our favourite time of year. This year, we’re having a party too and you could come – see page 116 for details. Plus, we’ll have the lowdown on some of the biggest events at the end of the year, from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations to Sleep in the Park. And look out for our Christmas Wish List too for all the suggestions you need this festive season, from great gifts to where to go on your work night out.