Elaine Paige Performs 'Memory' - Royal Albert Hall | Cats the Musical

[@clairefutrell5089]

My favorite part is how intense the conductor gets when she’s belting out, “TOUCH MEEEE!” He’s like, “Okay, boys. We’ve trained for this. Keep. Up.”

[@TeddyBDesign]

Claire Futrell lmfao

[@samoharachilds]

👌

[@karl-johanankarblom1091]

Michael Reed. - Legend.

[@indigoodoherty6044]

so true lmao

[@22autumn28]

I'm just laughing at his hair swishing violently

[@bjornhaugen7450]

Most renditions seem to neglect how this is sung by an old cat, nostalgic for the old days... it's really not about singing with a powerful voice. Paige nails it.

[@sbinsdca]

I agree. It's sung by a weary, old cat who longs for the past yet wishes to be reborn. Paige sings it perfectly.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Bjorn - *you* nailed it.

[@danielbrosky]

Barbra Streisand, possibly THE voice of Broadway, nails this song as well.

[@ArthurHau]

Most people try to show off their singing skill ignoring the fact that cats are soft animals with passion, but not aggression.

[@jonathanbarton1062]

Really..cats kill for fun.

[@mcmrvr8584]

first time i'm seeing her without the cat face

[@snippetsofvictoria]

Isn't she lovely?

[@kcb5336]

Mcm Rvr She’s a beauty

[@bookwoman53]

Her sorrowful eyes say so much.

[@BBQ1953]

Strikingly beautiful lady and that angelic voice!

[@rst2775]

Same tho

[@msmith1641]

she's not even on the musical stage in costume or anything just simply performing the song for an audience in a hall and Elaine just takes herself into character. She probably didn't have to in this performance but she did it anyway since it's so natural. The body language, facial expressions, voice EVERYTHING. perfection..

[@dragonofchaos26]

It was more then likely instinct from so many years of doing it but still one of my fave musicals

[@joekaput747]

You do something often enough it becomes second nature. She probably fell right back into the moment like it was nothing.

[@girllovesmusic]

Agreed. I kept seeing Grizabella the Glamour Cat peeking through. Excellent performance.

[@muttleysmith726]

Barbra Streisand sings it much better However both better than I.

[@kimbillhimer4458]

The voice is emtional as it should be. She not only nailed it. I love this song. Beautiful.

[@fraucat2043]

You can tell she wanted to get into character so badly when she starts moving around. Love her so much!! 😭😭😭💖

[@jonsnow3300]

Real theatre girl 🙌🏽

[@nemoskull2262]

if you don't live the words you are singing it won't sound good.

[@Bycharleslu]

I know!!! I was like, come on girl, unleash the full beast 🚨

[@Zadejah]

Frau Cat lmaoo she really did! She looked like she was going to start crawling like a cat 😂😂

[@ChadeGB]

I think what makes Elaine Paige's rendition the ultimate one is how she balances her voice, performance and emotion so well. She has an amazing voice, but doesn't use it to it's full here, because that's not what's needed, she offsets it with the understanding of who is supposed to be singing it, a grizzled old cat, one that's wracked with emotion, sadness, but still has hope and love. She understand the song and the role. She doesn't just come out and sing the song, she performs it, as the title says. Perfect.

[@douglashoffjr1362]

Exactly what you say. She presents the whole package perfectly. Very unique performance.

[@thesunwillcomeoutwaitandse2373]

What a beautiful description of what Miss Paige does here. When you described an old cat that still has hope and love, you truly touched my heart. I never thought of the song in that way. I'm not sure of exactly what I thought. I was always so impressed by the belting of "Tooooooouuuuuccccchhhhh Meee! I never thought of the deeper meaning. I'm not expressing myself well at all but I wanted you to know that you opened my mind and heart today. Thank you!

[@MIKERUPTION]

I totally agree with you. Perfectly put.

[@paulcamic]

Magical

[@poshbo]

Agreed, Betty Buckley's version doesn't have the same emotional vulnerability and instead seems too controlled and cold. Buckley also ad libs the timing a bit too much. Though much of this will be due to the director's vision, not just the singer's personal style. Whereas for the role of Norma Desmond, Buckley's style works better than Paige's.

[@Angelica-qu9wd]

3:03 She's the one begging to be touched and yet here I am feeling so touched by the raw emotion in her voice...

[@jameskelly8506]

It's the emotion along with the voice that makes this an outstanding performance. She feels the part.

[@georgesedares8036]

At the end, in the last close-up did you notice tears welling-up in her eyes. She let it all out !

[@sharonschoeck5187]

George Sedares A

[@ilovetruffles99]

TOOOOOOOOOOOUCH MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE *my soul flies to heaven*

[@amypennington5057]

Yessss

[@GuadalupeGuacamole]

My soul My wig So many things flying 😂

[@kennethgarrison7381]

In 1981, I saw the original production of CATS, starring Brian Blessed, Wayne Sleep, and Elaine Page. It was simply fantastic, and Elaine Page was absolutely fabulous. It was one of those performances that stays in your memory forever.

[@mikethefoto]

Me too, absolutely fabulous. I remember Brian sitting at the front of the Stage throughout the interval talking & laughing with any members of the audience who wanted to come up & talk with him. What stars what talent.

[@amyclarke41]

love her radio show bbc radio 2 88 2 89 fm 😍

[@thomkoetz8916]

I did too. I was in row 3 which was part of the stage. It was my ultimate theatre experience

[@aleksa8761]

"memory"

[@stuckinabush]

Kenneth Garrison my mum got to see Elaine Paige sing as Grizabella and I’m so jealous - I wish I was around to see it

[@SandraHernandez-mz7um]

The is her song forever no one will or can top her. Chills ran down my body when she belted out the last part of this song she is incredible.

[@dianemccamy2568]

Saw her in cats nyc!🥰

[@emmalebouthillier1768]

Look at the guy in the background leading the orchestra when she's singing "touch me" that dude's feeling it with his whole body

[@cheriiberrii]

lil meow meow idk why I laughed 💀💀

[@EtzEchad]

This makeup is amazing! It makes her look almost human!

[@traceygarner7764]

I'm willing to bet that she's human

[@Broadwayriah]

HELP- 😭😭💀

[@davidgriffith618]

What? She is out of costume. Lovely. Look again.

[@rubyrosie_]

@@davidgriffith618 it's a joke my guy

[@royal3809]

@@davidgriffith618 its...a joke..

[@humanperson3733]

My skin is clear. My grades are improved. My wig is snatched. I am happy.

[@mayakoch5642]

Im so glad!

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

Welcome to the club baldie

[@george52066]

That final verse she was completely possessed by the song, its just magical to see how she snaps into the trance-like state when shes in character

[@mariposa8430]

The fact that as soon as she sang "Midnight" the audience started clapping really shows you something about how incredible Elaine Paige is, and how iconic her Griz was.

[@kmeccat]

She automatically just morphs right into becoming Grizabella, costume or not. Awesome performance!!! Shivers down my spine, and a lump in my throat.

[@Northstarbby]

I've been watching videos all night of people singing this song and I swear no one can beat her... She just puts so much emotion into the song its amazing

[@kevinclark7824]

Julie Hemmings Betty Buckley is the only other woman who has ever mirrored Elaine’s level of perfection on this song. However, Elaine sells the entire package, and always has. Betty is simply pure power. Both are incredible performers. Watch Betty’s performance at the 1983 Tony Awards. It’s beautifully done as well.

[@v10moped]

Her eyes, are just, so... intense.

[@amypennington5057]

Yeah the are

[@tabby73]

Yes she's so alive, so beautiful ❤

[@lylejohnson7591]

This song makes me think of my late Wife. It makes me cry as she died from a heart attack 21 years ago at only 48.

[@eetanchow]

Exquisite performance! No one can sing Memory as she can!

[@sahar1usa]

Barbara. S and Susan boyle

[@phemsee5775]

Jennifer Hudson

[@robertesellers]

Barbra sings this at a level no one else gets close

[@michaelwhite1481]

Elaine is brilliant but Barbara is different class

[@alexanderruppert1705]

Barbra always on another level.

[@georgesedares8036]

If only I could have this exact rendition in costume with the cast ... I noted there seems to be tears welling up in Elaine Paige's eyes in the last close-up at the end of the song. She doesn't hold back anything ! It also appears she owns, Royal Albert Hall. I was fortunate to see her live on a cruise ship several years ago.

[@amelkamichaluk4925]

Midnight not a sound from the pavement Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet And the wind begins to moan Memory, all alone in the moonlight I can dream of the old days I was beautiful then I remember the time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again Every streetlamp seems to beat A fatalistic warning Someone mutters and the street lamp gutters And soon It will be morning Daylight I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn''t give in. When the dawn comes Tonight will be a memory too And a new day will begin Burnt out ends of smoky days The stale cold smell of morning A streetlamp dies; another night is over Another day is dawning Touch me! It''s so easy to leave me All alone with the memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me, you''ll understand what happiness is Look, and new day has begin.

[@joseignaciotrejomontes6227]

Excelente!!! Una de las grandes de teatro musical!! en el mundo!! 😍😍😍🎇🎉👏👏👏👏👏👏👏México 2020

[@theresadasilva7953]

Thank you for the words

[@billiehuman9173]

Ive never seen CATS but I know each image as I'm a old Street Cat myself a StreetTiger and this is bringing happy tears to my eyes I won't stop believing that there's a new way.

[@兔宝宝-v9u]

Thank you

[@rrson648]

This song is written in the key of vulnerability: every singer who is not Elaine Paige seems to miss that point.

[@dale7226]

what

[@ad61video]

Look up Lucy Thomas version on KZbin.

[@yekaterina6381]

@@dale7226 I think they mean that everyone else thinks this song is only about having a powerful voice. But what makes it so especial is the vulnerability and the sorrow Elaine manages to show (it’s all about acting really)

[@tim2015]

R Rson, that is a perfect description.

[@nicholasrussell4557]

what. this means nothing

[@GoatGodBaal]

Just... Everything about her. The voice, the facial expressions... And her eyes. She plays Grizabella so wonderfully. Won't be anyone who can match or beat her. I always get chills and tears at the climax. Makes me wonder if she is channeling personal experiences whenever she is performing this song.

[@PanicbyExample]

wouldn't ted neeley v elaine paige make an incredible erb :)

[@vabvaab]

the amount of personality, vulnerability, empathy and caring in her voice is so amazing

[@charlesevanstar5060]

Chills at about 3:42 when she says "Look!" So incredibly convincing. So real and genuine.

[@alicechild5898]

No one sings this any better than Elaine Paige.

[@anthonykupchick8168]

Do you know that Barbra Streisand is the one that usually sings it?

[@ardalla535]

Paige is Grizabella, Henshall is Fantine, Salonga is Eponine, and Wilkinson is Valjean. Others try, but these performers own their characters.

[@OXGiaNinaXO]

You forgot Sara Brightman as Christine!

[@nocchi.9589]

"Salonga is Eponine." YES

[@oliverdelica2289]

Arden is Quazimodo

[@anapaulamoya4473]

@@OXGiaNinaXO nahh, Sierra Boggess is Christine and Ramin Karimloo is The Phantom.

[@agonyaunt5059]

Pat Downs i ghostwrote this comment

[@WH012Vids]

The double take look she does @ 3:42 really hits you in your soul.

[@tabby73]

What a privilege it must be to see Elaine Paige perform live!

[@capsblau]

Clear like a crystal. Best ever

[@Nosebluds]

One of my favorite Grizabella traits that Elaine Page pulls off best is the reminiscent smile at the line "i can smile at the old days" Its a subtle, genuine happy expression as she remembers how life used to be, yet soon trails off as she knows its only her past memory

[@alexzaza6330]

this performance is inbeatable. Nobody. .N.O.B.O.D.Y can beat this performance.

[@MrGremoful]

I’m not sure, Connie Fisher did very good for me.

[@kevinharing766]

Why you gotta call him a bitch, though?

[@Gobble-zc3kc]

jacobmalott merely a bad copy of what Elaine did

[@dtindall1123]

Betty Buckley? Anyone concur? Hmm?

[@Gobble-zc3kc]

David Tindall beautiful singer and a fantastic actress, but for me it’s not the same as when Elaine does it. Like something’s missing. Either way it’s all personal

[@jms3spinoon]

Elaine pours her heart and soul into singing Memory. She has been and shall always be my favorite.

[@rem2267]

I love her hair and that pretty dress. She sure can belt it out - sing it, Elaine!

[@Jimmie16]

The sheer emotion so beautifully presented is awesome.

[@connerdennis6362]

Just your friendly reminder that nobody can beat Elaine Paige at this song, thank you there is no need to even try.

[@kayaa5359]

To witness this live must have been incredible. You can see the love and respect she has for the song and the character, she literally imbues it. Simply outstanding

[@jera912]

As someone who suffered from depression because of touch starved 3:12 hits my heart so hard. I felt that emotion, I've gone through it. When I listen to it again and I though I was back in that state of desperation. A phenomenal singer and actor.

[@jaxbus3000]

About as close to perfection as you can come. Saw her perform this live. Amazing.

[@Blasdell3590]

Wow!! Out of all the Grizabella's that have been played by other's, she is my absolute favorite. She has a stunning voice.

[@marshagetchell8111]

heartbreakingly beautiful

[@samtoucan1346]

Anyone know what year this performance is. Elaine Paige will always be the definitive singer of this song.

[@bbybear712]

1998

[@kchmyy]

1986

[@cindybaum8605]

nope Betty Buckley does it MUCH BETTER

[@jameskelly8506]

Betty sings it well, she doesn't feel the part like Elaine.

[@queensalima1]

cats

[@breAnnasmama]

I prefer her voice wayyyyyy more than Sarah brightmans version. I luv singing this one too lol

[@sanbrwn]

i can only think of one word to describe this performance, PERFECTION

[@Captdavis1]

The power in her voice. Wow.

[@maggiefisher6253]

When Cats the musical first came out, I really didn't understand the meaning behind it. So many memories later, I get it all too well. I'm now just an old Grizabella hoping for a new day. So if you know or have an old Grizabella in your life, give her just a little pat on the head or a hug to let her know someone still cares!

[@moranplano]

To me this IS the GOLD STANDARD..!! Absolutely flawless....a Perfect Diamond..!

[@danielbrosky]

Have you ever heard Barbra Streisand, possibly THE voice of Broadway, sing this song?

[@antourbina9708]

Keri René's version Is fantastic too

[@susan5096]

Wow. I din't think anyone could do this song better than Betty Buckley does, but Paige made me hear the words instead of just sinking into a fabulous voice. I wish I could have seen Paige perform it.

[@migueortiz7399]

3:13 goosebumps...absolutely brillant performance!

[@sofianoiti]

A big applause from home. Respect to Elaine Page. The passion, the sensitivity and the emotion incredibly combined! I saw it again and again

[@battz99]

So complete, so perfect. The female musical star against whom all others must be measured. Unequalled in her diction, musicality and acting. Perfection.

[@1welshdevil]

Sarah Brightman's forever my favourite singer, but only one person does this song justice, and that's Elaine Paige, this is incredible.

[@zhamiram6578]

Elaine reigns on this role! Your emotion and dedication to this song is such a great learning experience for those who just sing to sing it but needing to connect to the lyrics. Master class at its best.

[@christianpatriot7439]

I saw a touring production of Cats in 1987. When Grizabella hit the high note the woman sitting in front of me jumped 2 feet. I guess she had never heard the song before to know what was coming.

[@raynoble2157]

Could listen to it forever

[@dajiayu]

She's the best! Love her for this song; the emotions, the layering.

[@jefflawrence5835]

I was not expecting her vocals to explode at the end like that. I’m only vaguely familiar of her work because I’m not a Brit but now I know why she is so highly regarded. Bravooo

[@mericet39]

1:00 "I can smile at the old days, I was beautiful then" - Elaine, you still are.

[@marielpare8290]

My dad didn’t like this musical when it premiered, but he admits that he LOVED this song. Like, it made him cry and cry and cry when he saw it performed. And I’m sure that this is why the show has been so successful for so long. Whether you love the whole show or not, Memory resonates with almost everyone on a deep, visceral level that’s almost impossible to explain.

[@niaouliauzolles7041]

the one and only grizabella

[@mkaplan1383]

niaouli auzolles And yet every time I see her in normal elegance, I end up seeing cat ears on her head.

[@gregcompton4133]

What a joy to see and hear Ms Paige at her best.No one can spectrum her voice.

[@RobbySigman]

I actually teared up when I saw the first cats vido with her singing this.... still to this day I still tear up hearing her sing it!

[@Krakpipe16]

A true classic...a voice that can carry your soul away on its notes....Thank You....

[@lenhathi.]

3:13, I busted into tears, no-one can ever top this.

[@tabby73]

Me too!

[@jeep..]

I can imagine you being like: 😐😐🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂😌😌😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@momoadhikari]

Discovered this song a while ago... And it has been tied to many of my memories since then.

[@lisahaydu7707]

I totally agree Elaine Page captures all the emotions in Memories from Cats. She lives every word in the song. What an incredible singer and actress!

[@hummingbird2254]

I've heard this lady's name before. I thought that I'd finally check out who she is. I'm glad that I did. She's amazing ! I've heard this song before, but never knew that she was the one that sang it. My name is Elaine too.

[@angreys]

After listening to this. I recall the whole story already.

[@MrsZingy89]

Absolutely amazing! And guys, if you never been to Royal Albert hall - you lost a lot.

[@venusxxblue]

Her version is the only one that makes me really feel something, and in fact makes me cry. The way she sings it embodies the character she portrayed. She made Grizabella relatable.

[@neutralfashion]

My dear dad liked her and loved this song. We played it as his funeral. Miss you dad 😭 every single day.

[@VoxDesperationis]

The best Musical female Diva in the whole universe. Thank you so much Elaine for your divine vibes and deeply moving vocal performances.

[@hid4193]

Omg this song literally has wings anyone can feel it

[@KS-yc5kj]

the old video of the same live performance has been token down, I thought I will never be able to watch it again but comes with this, thank you very much !!!!

[@ninadesianti9587]

My dad used to play this song from a cassette. He has a large collection of cassettes and lost a large portion when we moved. Glad to find these songs on KZbin!

[@plum_loco]

A true artist! Elaine is still amazing to listen to!

[@miscellaneous7759]

Talent is an understatement ...just wow is all that is needed.

[@MrReed314]

One of the great mezzo Sopranos...So many have sung this, Barbara Streisand does a very fine job, but no one I've ever heard sings it with the passion of Elaine. . This is her song and always will be..

[@danathomas5174]

Brings a tear to my eye every time

[@garyhieronymus9072]

I love the conductor of the orchestra he goes absolutely ape-S when she sings reach out and touch me you will know what happiness is, like give it all you got.

[@garyhieronymus9072]

This was the best presentation of Memory ever.

[@lindsryan1087]

I love her version the most. It’s less static and just extremely beautiful and intense ♥️

[@edwinpeterhigginson3325]

Beautiful.

[@debrabolton6475]

Elaine Paige has always been my favorite Grizabella. Her rendition is the most touching and beautiful.

[@kathyneale2324]

No other singer can perform this song as,well as Elaine Paige such emotion & pain she sings it so beautifully. Memory.

[@little.edie0139]

She is the only one who I can really define as Grizabella 💖

[@yellovika962]

Bravo Luca she just SANG it. great vocals but no emotions on her face.

[@МихаилМишков-м7б]

I've been in love with this song for thirty years!... when I first heard it... you should listen to it at night...

[@mdbruffy]

Chills. The only way to describe the feeling. Ms. Paige owns this song. Period.

[@terrenceragin5555]

Absolutely Fantabulous. The Best Version

[@KimboH55]

Great performance from an artist, not a singer. All the feeling making me shivver! Superb

[@israpq95]

This song really brings my memory back when I was a teenager.

[@pseudonymphmusic7721]

What a performer

[@lucius0malfoy]

I love her and her voice and interpretation. her hair . woooww everything.

[@rayunseitig6367]

Elaine Paige will always be Grizabella to me

[@worldshaking0502]

Those eyes are just amazing.

[@jimmiller6933]

What a beautiful woman with a magnificent voice

[@cmdrrgh]

Just blew me away

[@SuwinTzi]

I like her performance the best, she just carries so much regret and longing for bygone days in her voice, that really follows the lyrics. Performances that really sell the emotional weight always impress me more than a technically perfect one.