The May 29 broadcast, which begins at 1 PM, will feature the Elton John interview, which was taped backstage prior to a recent Elton John Las Vegas concert. The famed composer-singer will explain, according to press notes, "how significant The Lion King has been to his career and why he has now caught the musical bug . . . why he walked out of the previews for his own musical of Aida and why the story of Billy Elliot struck a very personal chord for him." John will also discuss his upcoming musical Lestat, which is based on Anne Rice's series of books. Host Paige will also feature music from such Elton John musicals as The Lion King, Billy Elliot and Aida.

Arguably Britain's most successful musical theatre actress, Elaine Paige has starred on the London stage in Evita, Cats, Chess, Anything Goes, Piaf, Sunset Boulevard and The King and I. She made her Broadway debut to much acclaim in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, and her recordings are numerous. Paige recently appeared in the New York City Opera's production of Sweeney Todd, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovett.

For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio2.