The West End legend originated roles in huge hits including \u2018Evita\u2019 and \u2018Cats\u2019<\/p>\n
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice<\/p>\n
West End legend Dame Elaine Paige has revealed she \u201clived on sleeping pills\u201d for many years, revealing she kicked the habit during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
The 78-year-old began her stage career in the 1960s and originated the role of Eva Per\u00f3n in Lord Andrew Webber\u2019s Evita in 1978, winning a Laurence Olivier award for best performance in a musical.<\/p>\n
The role rocketed Paige into the spotlight and she collaborated with Lloyd Webber on a number of other occasions, also taking the lead as Grizabella in Cats and starring opposite Barbara Dickinson in Chess.<\/p>\n
Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Paige said in a new interview: \u201cFor many years in the theatre I lived on sleeping pills, otherwise you\u2019re wired until 2am after a show.<\/p>\n
\u201cI called it my Judy Garland syndrome. They\u2019re dreadful things to become addicted to, which I was. But since the pandemic I\u2019ve managed to get off them and will not take one again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paige continued: \u201cI say to myself that even if I don\u2019t sleep well, I\u2019ll be fine the next day. I\u2019m not ready to take afternoon naps yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
During her decades-spanning career, Paige has also released multiple albums and performed a number of concert tours, as well as appearing in television shows including BBC comedy Home From Home and the Alison Steadman-led drama Life. Since 2004, she has presented a weekly Radio 2 show, Elaine Paige on Sundays.<\/p>\n
The singer was made a dame for services to music and charity in June 2025 and received a Special Award at the Oliviers back in April.<\/p>\n
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.<\/p>\n
The prestigious accolade was presented by Lloyd Webber, who read a letter from the Queen shortly before he handed Paige the prize at London\u2019s Royal Albert Hall.<\/p>\n
The message read: "I was delighted to learn you were to receive this year\u2019s special award of the Oliviers 2026. I can think of no more fitting recipient."<\/p>\n
Camilla further praised Paige\u2019s "talent, commitment and generosity of spirit" which have made her a "truly defining figure in musical theatre\u201d, adding, "you have quite simply brought huge joy to untold numbers of people across the globe, and we are all in your debt."<\/p>\n
Accepting the award, Paige remarked: "Music and theatre have been the mainstay, really, well, the major force in my life and when I look back, I really can hardly believe the journey and the longevity of it all, to be honest."<\/p>\n