Dame Gillian Lynne Launches DVD - The Secret To Her Youth

To The Garrick Club where, in one of its opulent rooms ("It's like Downton Abbey," I overheard one overawed guest remark), Dame Gillian Lynne told us of her secret to a long life. Turns out that if you want to look like you're in your mid-fifties when you're in you're mid-80s, exercise is the key!

Dame Gillian, whose remarkable career has spanned seven decades, began as a much acclaimed ballerina in the 40s, going on to direct/choreograph over 50 West End and Broadway musicals, 11 feature films, award winning television drama and numerous television specials.

She is best known for her collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh, and her ground breaking work on Cats and The Phantom of The Opera.

She continues to be as busy as ever in her 88th year, with a new ballet premiering this autumn and several other projects spanning through 2015.

Filmed by her husband Peter Land, the DVD (available through Dame Gillian's website) is aimed at those of advancing years (and girth) but is useful for all ages. And I can confirm that she is a walking, stretching, life-loving advert for its message. Long Live The Dame!