Elaine Paige: Page by Page by Paige (Tour – Manchester)

Stood on the stage backed by her own live band and in front of a sell-out audience, Elaine Paige’s opening words have a powerful and poignant impact.

"It won’t be easy", she says. " You’ll think it’s strange, when I try to explain how I feel. That I still need your love after all that I’ve done."

Lyrics, that as most Evita fans will realise, come directly from a musical that saw Paige as the leading lady. But this time there was the feeling these words were not coming from Eva Peron, but instead from a performer who was giving her fans one final emotional insight into her 50 years in the world of showbusiness.

Page by Page By Paige looks back on the successful career of an actress, recording artist, producer and broadcaster, who has captured the hearts of international audiences with her performances and personality.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter, who has been honoured with an OBE for her services to musical theatre, is currently entertaining her fans up and down the country, as she says a final farewell to them and to her time in the spotlight.

Complete with personal pictures, a guest appearance from stage star Gardar Thor Cortes and a diverse selection of musical numbers, this is a stunning yet simple production that proves exactly how Paige has become a stalwart in her industry.

Although at times it does feel her speeches between numbers is a little too scripted, there is no denying that this gig means as much to her as it does to her audiences. Her passion and belief in what she is doing is so strong, in fact, that towards the end of her slot at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, she managed to achieve three standing ovations in a row.

Her renditions of "Memory", from Cats, and "I Know Him So Well", from Chess, are particularly strong, and a specially adapted version of Stephen Sondheim’s "I’m Still Here" also proves a real hit.

As she goes from number to number, and note to note, with ease and style, it does become quickly apparent just how this star, who has worked with the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, has become such an inspiration to so many.

So as she does take her final curtain calls, make sure to be a part of an incredibly moving memory that will most certainly live again.