Elaine Paige swaps the spotlight for the sofa with brand new chat show for Sky Arts

West End veteran Elaine Paige swaps the spotlight for the sofa with her brand new chat show for Sky Arts.

Paige will front the 6-part chat show that focuses on all things musical theatre, and already has a string of top guests lined up including Scarlett Strallen (A Chorus Line), Clive Rowe (The Light Princess) and Leigh Zimmerman (Chicago).

Aptly named The Elaine Paige Show, the theatrical legend and star of Cats, Sunset Boulevard and Evita is said to provide “a unique inspirational glimpse into the fascinating world of musical theatre”. The format will follow in-depth interviews and exclusive performances from some of the world’s most talented and famous theatre stars, with John Owen Jones (Phantom of the Opera), Hannah Waddingham (Spamalot), Michael Feinstein (My One And Only) and Christine Andreas (My Fair Lady) to name but a few.

Going all Piers Morgan, Elaine Paige will discuss the highs and lows of her guests’ long and fruitful careers, leaving viewers privy to some of the funniest, saddest and most intimate parts of their lives in musical theatre. Plus, the delightful Paige will open and close each show with an exclusive performance, ranging from her extensive back catalogue, to brand new arrangements.

With a career spanning five decades, Elaine Paige will use her expertise and experience to advise and mentor an up-and-coming young star. The fledgeling of musical theatre will be given the opportunity of a lifetime, as he or she gets one-to-one coaching and the chance to perform for Paige and her guests.

Paige is said to be pleased to be able bring her “passion for musical theatre to television”. We know that theatre enthusiasts everywhere will be eager to tune in to this wonderfully niche television programme, perfect for West End-lovers, and lift the lid on some of our favourite stage stars.

The Elaine Paige Show will be aired in May and is produced by Jamie Oliver’s production company Fresh One — the masters behind Channel 4’s behind-the-scenes documentary The Sound of Musicals.

Who would you like to see Elaine Paige interview in her new chat show?