Arlene Phillips’ Judy Garland stage show is strictly for the family

Arlene Phillips didn’t hesitate when she was offered the chance to choreograph the new Judy Garland stage show.

The former Strictly judge and renowned choreographer was further sold on the idea after learning that Judy’s daughter, Lorna Luft, will star in the production.

Not only does Lorna’s presence add a family link to Judy The Songbook of Judy Garland, but she and Arlene are great friends who have known each other for 40 years.

“We became really close in the late 1970s while I worked in New York,” explained Arlene, who is the production’s creative director.

“We were like two torpedoes, partying and going to places like Studio 54, and we had the best time.

“We kept in touch, both of us had daughters around the same time, and Lorna has lots of close friends over here who are also my friends. For me, doing a show with her is just thrilling.”

Some people might be wary of working in a high-pressure environment with such a close friend, but Arlene says it isn’t an issue.

“It’s been great. She knows I’m tough on performance and she likes that. Lorna understands it’s about getting a better product.

“A lot of the songs are ones she’s sung before, but she’s happy to try it in a different way if I suggest it.”

This is the only Judy Garland show in the world authorised by the late star’s estate and is a celebration, according to Arlene.

“It’s not Judy’s life story, it’s a celebration of her life, music and songs,” she continued.

“There are film clips of Judy and other legends talking about her and there’s a little bit of storytelling in there, too.”

Also in the show are The X Factor runner-up Ray Quinn and darling of the West End, Louise Dearman.

“It’s pretty daunting for the cast, having to sing the songs her mother sang in front of Lorna. But she’s probably looking at them too and wondering if they’re comparing her to her mother.”

Arlene surprised Lorna by turning up to one of the singer’s concerts after agreeing to join the production.

“The producer, David King, has asked me to do shows with him before, but we could never work out our schedules until this came along.

“After we’d agreed, David took me along to The Crazy Coqs, a jazz venue in Soho where Lorna was performing that night, to surprise her.

“She was in the midst of singing when she glanced over, saw me and broke into a big smile. She told the crowd, ‘We have a special guest here tonight. You probably know her as the bossy choreographer but to me she’s a dear friend’.”

As well as her theatre work, Arlene also has clothing and jewellery ranges, writes kids’ books and various TV commitments.

Does the 71-year-old mum-of-two never stop?

“It’s just the way everything happens,” she laughed.

“I do have lots of things going on but I enjoy it that way. I like the crazy, mixed-up life I have, although I do take time to relax I’m not all work and no play.

“I do a lot of cooking and lots of reading, but most of all I like to relax with my family.

“I’ll go and see plays with my partner or a ballet or musical with my two daughters. I know these are things associated to my job, but I also just like being a person in the audience.”

Being just another face in the crowd isn’t so easy for Arlene these days.

While she was always well-known in theatre circles, her time on Strictly propelled her into the mainstream celebrity world.

She says the good outweighs the bad when it comes to having a famous face.

“I bumped into a man the other day who was so happy to have his picture taken with me, because his wife is a big fan. He said it made his day.

“There are other things too, in terms of fundraising and getting behind charities, where a name can make a difference and some good can come from it.

“But then there are other times, like when it’s 9am in a haberdashery department and people realise that it’s me and shout on their friends, and I’m feeling and looking a mess.

“Sometimes it’s actually my voice that gives me away, rather than people recognising me.”

Judy The Songbook of Judy Garland. Edinburgh Playhouse on May 8 and 9; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, from June 2 to 6.