Elaine Paige promises to send King Charles signed copy of new album after receiving damehood
Legendary West End star Dame Elaine Paige promised King Charles a signed copy of her upcoming album after receiving the groom’s mantle at Windsor Castle; it was an honor he described as “humbling”.
The 77-year-old artist, known for his extensive services to music and charities, shared an entertaining exchange with the monarch during the ceremony.
Wearing a distinctive blue feathered hat made by a milliner for the late Queen and carrying a bag by Victoria Beckham, Dame Elaine told the PA news agency about her conversation with the King.
“The king has a very low voice and he said to me, I think he said to me, ‘Are you holding his hand?’ “After he told me, ‘I haven’t seen you in a long time,’ which was true,” he explained.
“So I kept holding my hand and told him that I was actually about to start a new album and that when it was finished I’d send him a signed copy if he wanted it. He thought it was pretty funny and laughed. I’m sure it’s not something he’d be particularly interested in but I’ll send it anyway.”
The upcoming album will feature songs from her youth, including tracks by The Beatles and Joni Mitchell.
Born in North London in 1948, Elaine Bickerstaff rose to overnight stardom with her iconic role as Eva Peron in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical. EvitaIt was released in 1978. His performance earned him the Olivier Award for performance of the year in a musical.
Reflecting the recent revival Evita At The London Palladium, starring Rachel Zegler, Dame Elaine pointed out how the industry has evolved.
“When I sat there on the first night and watched her sound extraordinary, so young, quite brilliant with a completely different take on the original version that I did… it really shows how things develop and how life changes from one decade to the next,” he told PA.
His new production is “actually more like a rock concert, which is why I say it’s more for young people,” he added, adding that like Shakespeare, “everything has to evolve and change and move forward, and this is no different.”
Beyond his seminal role EvitaShe graced the stages in productions such as Dame Elaine cats, Chess, PiaffeAnd Sunset Boulevardand recently appeared in pantomimes at The London Palladium.
His prolific recording career includes more than 20 solo albums and the chart-topping single “I Know Him So Well,” a duet with Barbara Dickson.
Her ladyship also recognizes significant philanthropic contributions.
Dame Elaine has supported organizations such as The Children’s Trust and the Royal Voluntary Service, and has been chairman of the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust since 2010.
He expressed his satisfaction at being appreciated for this aspect of his work. “It’s a great honor,” he said.
“And like I said, receiving this award for something that I love to do, that I’m passionate about, and that I have the privilege of doing is not something to take lightly. I’m very humbled by it, and it’s such a great honor.”
