When the ultimate disco show, Saturday Night Fever, rolls into town, the driving force behind the spectacular dance scenes is top choreographer Arlene Phillips. She talks to Paul Revel.

ARLENE Phillips is perhaps the world's best-known contemporary choreographer. Since the ground-breaking troupe Hot Gossip caused uproar on TV, her dance style has made its mark in films and best-selling musicals.

She has choreographed music videos for a host of stars including Queen, Duran Duran, Tina Turner and Robbie Williams.

Saturday Night Fever recalls disco's 70s heyday, when Arlene first shot to fame. I ask her if she has a special affection for the show.

"Very much so," she says. "I was teaching dance classes at the time when the film came out and I had such a surge of interest from people in all walks of life.

"They saw these ordinary characters dancing in the film and thought; If they can do it, so can I'."

The show, featuring former Eastenders star Shaun Williamson (pictured, right) as cheesy DJ Monty, is memorable mainly for its Bee Gees soundtrack and signature dance routines.

"I think what makes it different is the American hustles, partner dances which were a big craze in the seventies," says Arlene. "They are challenging, with very tricky lifts and drops, so they're exciting to watch."

Arlene, known to many as a sharp-tongued judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, grew up in Manchester.

"My parents often took us to see the ballet. I've been told when I was tiny, whenever I heard music I would start dancing.

"I think by the age of 10 I knew I wanted to be a ballerina but by 16 I knew it wasn't to be. Ballerinas are chosen. It's not about wanting."

Like many young hopefuls, Arlene moved to London to try her luck.

"I was babysitting for Ridley Scott. One day he said to me: You dance, do think you could work on these commercials?' "They were a huge success. From that point on there was no stopping my career.

"It was a very good baby-sitting job," she laughs.

She became a household name when her dance troupe Hot Gossip's sexy moves hit our screens on the Kenny Everett Video Show.

"It seemed like an overnight success. Mary Whitehouse objected, we were on all the front pages. But in fact I'd been struggling to make a go of Hot Gossip for three years."

In 1983 Arlene choreographed Monty Python's Meaning of Life, responsible for memorable moments such as the Every Sperm Is Sacred song.

"One of the best times I've ever had in my life," she recalls. "Working with director Terry Jones and all the Pythons was a glorious experience from start to finish."

When I speak to Arlene, she has just got back from New York, rehearsing a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

When not globetrotting, Arlene spends as much time as possible at home in London with her family.

She has two daughters, Abi, 15, and 26-year-old Alana, a performer who is currently playing a lead role in the West End production of Saturday Night Fever.

Since its opening at the London Palladium in 1998, this stage version has been a worldwide phenomenon. After countless rehearsals, tours and opening nights, does Arlene still get inspired by the show?

"Oh yes," she asserts. "Every time you get a new cast and you're teaching them for the first time. The excitement as they turn themselves into the characters.

"Wherever I do it in the world it always feels fresh and exciting."

Saturday Night Fever, April 3 - 8, The Orchard, Dartford, £16 - £29.50, box office 01322 220000.

July 24 - 29, Churchill Theatre, Bromley 0870 0606620.