Elaine Paige will serve as godmother to Seabourn’s elegant new all-suite ship, Seabourn Ovation.
The naming ceremony will take place on Friday, May 11th in the beautiful baroque harbour of Valletta, Malta, during a spectacular ceremony that will light up the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site and 2018 European Capital of Culture.
Seabourn has a special partnership with UNESCO to support their efforts to protect World Heritage at sites around the world.
Elaine Paige originated the role of Eva Peron in Evita, followed by Grizabella in Cats and Florence in Chess.
She has starred in more smash hit West End and Broadway musicals than anyone else of her generation – from Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Anything Goes, Sunset Boulevard, to The King & I, Sweeney Todd and Follies – and many more.
She has defined musicals and has simply set the gold standard.
In 1995 she was awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to musical theatre by HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn, said: “Elaine’s talents are boundless and, like Seabourn, the world is her stage and she is constantly seeking out new adventures.
“She has created so many memories for her audiences, just as we do for our guests, on every voyage they take.
“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished performer launch Seabourn Ovation on her maiden voyage.”
When not performing, Paige works tirelessly for charities including The Children’s Trust.
She is president for the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, an ambassador to the Royal Voluntary Service and an artistic associate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
“I am so honoured to have been asked to be godmother to Seabourn Ovation,” said Paige.
“Seabourn’s legendary service has the same DNA as a hit West End show: a dedicated cast of professionals who all come together to deliver a superb performance, whatever their role.
“I can’t wait to board the beautiful Seabourn Ovation and send her off into the world!”