Arlene Phillips Directs New Show at O2

Arlene Philips, the respected choreographer (Grease, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express) and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, is directing a new arena-scale musical Sacred Flame, which opens at the 02 Arena with a single performance 28 December.

Philips is joined by Ronan Hardiman (composer of Michael Flatley’s dance shows including Lord of the Dance), and Frank Musker (Ivor Novello-winning songwriter). The show will star Marti Pellow, the lead sing of the 1990s pop group Wet, Wet, Wet, who has appeared in Chicago and The Witches of Eastwick.

The producers describe the show as telling the stories of Anton, a teenage boy journeying to modern-day Peru to understand why his mother gave him away as a baby. Music is a combination of Latin rhythms, including salsa, mamba and tango.