We saw Elaine's acting talent in The Misanthrope in 1998 and Where There's a Will in 2003 in so-called straight theatre. Although she will call herself first and foremost an actress who sings, I am convinced we have yet to see the best of her in this area. All musicals require good acting (just consider Evita for example) but she could forge a very successful niche in the drama area. Further examples to back this up are her appearances in the tv drama series that she has made i.e. Miss Marple/Unexplained Laughter etc.
Following her debut as an author with the book Memories, I am sure there is so much more to come in other areas. Take note The National Theatre! Give her a chance! Sir Peter Hall did!

Fully agree, no-one could carry off the variety of roles Elaine's done if they weren't a good actress! I'd love to see her at the National, or any theatre in the West End, as it's so easy to get to but a touring play would be better than nothing - I'd get to see different parts of the country that way too.
Maybe Peter Hall could do something at the Rose Theatre which he's heavily involved with - it's a nice theatre with parking and a mainline station nearby so reasonably easy for most people.
Let's start thinking of what plays could be good for Elaine - although part of me would love to see her in a new play as we all know how much Elaine advocates new writing

Yes,I love Chekhov I'm sure she would handle it wonderfully! For instance,when I watched her in Miss Marple I didn't think she looked out of place with actresses such as Zoe Wanamaker who have played at the National! Elaine is the sort of actress that makes me watch her all the time,even when she is not supposed to be the centre of attention,just because she is always so interesting to watch!I love watching an actor/actress and getting the feeling that you don't know what they're going to do next,and Elaine has that I think...And I must admit,many successful serious actors don't give me this feeling!

Panto season...one of the most tiring jobs in the business. Wouldn't want to wish that on Elaine! Do agree that she would make anything special though.

I was only saying that she could do anything, not suggesting panto, I wouldn't wish it on her either, all those screaming kids and very bad costumes !!!!

I reckon, don't lynch me here...that EP would make a fantastic Wicked Queen.

I mean, just look at the photos of her as Carabosse!  haha

Seb

I'll do anything to support Elaine but would soooo prefer it not to be panto! I only go to them if I really like the person in it - in fact that's not true, I'd only go for Elaine or a member of the Dallas cast! My attendance would be showing my support and my response would be purely on their performance and not the show as a whole.

A good play, whether at the National, elsewhere in the west end or touring, would be far better - and far more credible for Elaine than heading down the celeb panto route that everyone seems to do these days.

I will be very pleased to see Elaine in anything !!!!   xxx