Elaine Paige is feeling the “pressure”!
The actress opens Sept. 12 in a revival of a revival of Follies and admits she’s a little bit worried because of the people who have played the role before her.
“I never saw the original or any version of it,” Elaine said. “Bernadette Petersis wonderful in this production. We met once 13 years ago. In London. Producer Cameron Mackintosh had a party with a long list of artists like Judi Dench,Julie Andrews. Bernadette and I shared a dressing room.
“Openings always create pressure. Coming here I love and have done for 30 years. But difficult is settling into a strange apartment far from home in London. I only arrived 3 weeks ago. I’m alone. Takes time to adjust. I’m the worst traveler. I’m contacting friends, but it’s awhile to find stores and where you like to shop.
“To feel homey, I’ve brought photos of family and friends. Books
. My computer. Favorite shoes, clothes, perfume. So many cases that I’m still wondering where to put it all. I need a bit of clutter around like one has in one’s home. Takes time to feel settled. Where to put things, how’s the air conditioning work, where’s the lamp plug, what do you push for the TV. And in the city that never sleeps, one needs blackout curtains. I need blinds and something dark. I’m just sort of beginning to feel settled.”