She starred as Grizabella in Cats and recorded the hit single Memory from that musical.
She has released 18 solo albums and seven cast albums and has her own Radio 2 show.
She continues to perform and tour and lives in London.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE HOLIDAY?
A few years ago, I was singing in Vancouver, so I stayed on.
I went to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where they have a scarily high footbridge across the gorge, plus amazing wooden walkways in the trees.
Stanley Park is beautiful and Vancouver Lookout has views of the city.
Grouse Mountain has a wildlife refuge with bears.
On Vancouver Island Butchart Gardens were out of this world.
AND YOUR WORST?
Years ago, I went with a girlfriend to Tunisia and found that two ladies on their own got a lot of unwanted attention.
It put me off going back.
FAVOURITE SOUVENIR?
A large, brightly coloured ceramic dish I got for my parents in 1964 in Capri. It was my first holiday abroad with them and it was a big adventure.
We’d never tasted Italian food or wine before.
Sadly, both my parents have long since gone, but I still have the dish.
BEST HOLIDAY READ?
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini.
It was a magical read, beautifully written about a young man who betrayed his best friend when he was a lad.
I love sitting on the terrace, reading with a vodka and tonic.
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME ON HOLIDAY?
I used to like skiing but I haven’t been for years. The only type of activity holiday
I do now is tennis. I go to a camp in Florida.
I make my own itinerary and go to see all the local sights.
Good food is important too.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO REVISIT?
Vancouver.
And the Maldives – years ago I stopped there after an exhausting tour of Australia and New Zealand.
It was gloriously relaxing in a stilted house over the sea.
The perfect place to do very little.
WHERE NEXT?
In May I’ll be in Scandinavia and then New York in June to cover the Tony Awards.
Elaine Paige Presents The Musicals, a 3-CD album (Union Square), is out now.
Elaine Paige on Sunday, BBC Radio 2, 1pm. elainepaige.com.
