UK immigration officials stop Liza Minnelli
11:00AM Tuesday May 27, 2008

Liza Minnelli. Photo / Reuters
LONDON, AAP - Liza Minnelli's first British concert tour in more than two decades got off to an embarrassing start when immigration officials tried to stop her entering the country.

The Oscar-winning star arrived at London's Heathrow airport with her 19-strong entourage only to be told by immigration officers that she did not have the correct work permit.

Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper said the 62-year-old was told that without the permit she would be unable to perform her show at the London Coliseum in front of hundreds of fans who had forked out 98 pounds($250.19) for a ticket.

However after a flurry of negotiations between Minnelli's management team and immigration authorities, a visa was granted just hours before the curtain rose for her first concert last night.

Minnelli, daughter of Hollywood star Judy Garland, was to perform three shows in London before touring Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

- AAP

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/15011 ... d=10512735