Elaine Page gives iconic Cats showtune a vaccine-themed remake: ‘Make COVID a memory’
West End legend Elaine Paige receives her second coronavirus vaccine dose. (Screen captures via Twitter/@Elaine_Paige)
In today’s dose of positive news, musical theatre icon Elaine Paige has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus – and did so all while singing a Cats number.
The 73-year-old West End legend received her second jab and, naturally, thought it was the perfect opportunity to belt out a vaccine-themed version of “Memory”.
Sharing a video of her performance on Twitter, Paige implored her 40,000 followers to get vaccinated as soon as they’re offered.
“Vaccine, I am having my vaccine, to protect against COVID, make sure you get yours too,” she sang, to the tune of “Memory”.
“When you have it you’ll understand what happiness is… look, a new life will begin.”
“Seriously,” she added. “When you get the chance, have it. It’s safe, it’s effective, it doesn’t hurt and we all need it to beat the virus.
“So have your vaccine, and make COVID… a memory.”
I'm thrilled to say I've added myself to the @ukvacprogress figures by having my 2nd #COVID19 vaccination! PLEASE when you are offered yours have one!! It's safe, didn't hurt & it will help prevent further deaths from this cruel virus. Together let's make #Covid_19 a 'memory!' pic.twitter.com/TkSqCMrNqE
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) March 16, 2021
Elaine Paige now joins the 3.16 per cent of Britons who have received both injections of the life-saving vaccine, according to government data.
Celebrated actor Ian McKellen was among the first to receive an initial dose of the Pfizer-BioTNech vaccine in December. “It’s a very special day,” he said at the time, “I feel euphoric.”
Like Paige, McKellen sought to encourage Britons to get the shot when it is offered to them. It’s the “sensible thing” to do, he said.
“Of course, it’s painless, it’s convenient, and getting in touch and meeting National Helth Service staff and saying thank you to them for how hard they’ve been working is a bonus,” he explained.
“I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine.”
Saint Dolly Parton also recently received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine, which she partly-funded, marking the occasion as well with a coronavirus-themed spoof of “Jolene”.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you please don’t hesitate,” Parton sang.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, cause once you’re dead then that’s a bit too late.”
