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West End legend Dame Elaine Paige has revealed she “lived on sleeping pills” for many years, revealing she kicked the habit during the pandemic.
The 78-year-old began her stage career in the 1960s and originated the role of Eva Perón in Lord Andrew Webber’s Evita in 1978, winning a Laurence Olivier award for best performance in a musical.
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.
Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Paige said in a new interview: “For many years in the theatre I lived on sleeping pills, otherwise you’re wired until 2am after a show.
Paige was awarded a damehood last year (AFP/Getty)
“I called it my Judy Garland syndrome. They’re dreadful things to become addicted to, which I was. But since the pandemic I’ve managed to get off them and will not take one again.”
Paige continued: “I say to myself that even if I don’t sleep well, I’ll be fine the next day. I’m not ready to take afternoon naps yet.”
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.
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.
Evita rocketed Paige into the spotlight (Getty)
The prestigious accolade was presented by Lloyd Webber, who read a letter from the Queen shortly before he handed Paige the prize at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The message read: “I was delighted to learn you were to receive this year’s special award of the Oliviers 2026. I can think of no more fitting recipient.”
Camilla further praised Paige’s “talent, commitment and generosity of spirit” which have made her a “truly defining figure in musical theatre”, adding, “you have quite simply brought huge joy to untold numbers of people across the globe, and we are all in your debt.”
Paige with her Oliviers special award (Ian West/PA Wire)
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.”
She candidly recalled the early challenges of her career, including “bit-parts and chorus lines and lots of rejection and long stretches when the phone doesn’t ring”.
Offering words of wisdom to emerging talent, Paige urged: “I wanted to say to the next generation, may you find your people, your voice and your courage and make sure to ignore anyone that says it can’t be done.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.
In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP