Legendary leading ladies reunite
DURBAN North resident and couturier, Sandy Day, recently hosted two South African legends of the stage, Abigail Kubeka and Judy Page, at her home.
The two were in Durban for a performance at CANSA’s fundraiser, Night of 100 Stars, and were visiting Sandy for a dress fitting before the event. I had the opportunity to have tea, cake and a chat with the lovely divas.
Born and raised in Soweto, Abigail is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musical arranger and actress. She still performs a lot, and has appeared in local soaps, Scandal and Generations.
“Every performance I do is a highlight,” said Abigail, who loves her career and has no plans to slow down. “I still have another 20 years in me,” she said.
She is close to her family and has two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They live close together and spend a lot of time together.
Abigail’s schedule is hectic and she travels a lot. “I still have many late nights, I don’t know how I cope. When you love something, you just say ‘I’m gonna do it’.”
Between her acting, voice-overs, singing and motivational speaking, it becomes hectic, but Abigail does have some time to herself. “I love doing house chores, I’m very domestic. I love being home and working in the garden, cleaning the house, cooking and sewing. And gym, I love gym.”
Judy Paige is a singer, actress, TV presenter and musical theatre legend. Born in Zimbabwe, she came to South Africa in the 60s. She met Sandy in 1988 when they were raising funds for a charity, and they have been inseparable ever since. “We are like twins,” said Judy.
She has lived in Plettenberg Bay with her husband for the past 15 years, “I tried to retire, but I couldn’t not perform,” she laughed. “For five years I admired the beauty of Plett and coached children and produced school plays, but I had to get back to work. I have had great fun as I’ve grown older, playing cameo roles.”
Judy had great fun playing a vulture in a stage version of Jock of the Bushveld and a fairy in a pantomime. “It was great to feel the buzz of a theatre full of kids. For Jock of the Bushveld, I wore these uncomfortable boots that were just right for the role. They were murder, but I suffered through because I just loved the role!”
“Off stage I am quiet as a mouse,” said Judy, who has two children and four grandchildren. “I see them often. I am like a gypsy; I travel all the time. But when I go home, it is a quiet world.” She enjoys painting and walking her dogs and is a self-confessed TV-holic.
Abigail and Judy have performed together before, and go as far back as the 70s. “It’s good to know we can still stagger around in high heels and stick on eyelashes,” laughed Judy.
“We can’t seem to get rid of each other,” added Abigail. They will perform again together in a new musical, Legendary Ladies of Song, later this month.
