Debbie Wileman, the British singing sensation known for her uncanny recreation of Judy Garland’s voice, is set to make her West End debut with I’m Still Here at the Ambassadors Theatre.
This highly anticipated show will feature Judy Garland’s classics as well as hits from contemporary artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga, all performed in Garland’s iconic style.
Don’t miss this unique musical celebration on Sunday, 30 June 2024 at 7pm. Book your tickets now.
You’re bringing I’m Still Here to the Ambassadors Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a show that I originally performed at Carnegie Hall to celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th birthday in 2021. I found some surprise success on the Internet when I was making videos during lockdown to cheer up my friends, in particular impersonations of Judy Garland (who I’m a massive fan of).
This show is a tribute to my heroine with a bit of a twist: I sing a lot of Judy Classics with a fantastic band but also I imagined what Judy might have sung if she still been around today and I tried to re-create these songs in a Judy Garland like manner with interesting period arrangements and singing them in the style of. For instance, Amy Winehouse, songs from Wicked – with the Oz connection it just makes sense! It’s like a bumper concert with added interesting stories!
How did you first get inspired to create a tribute show for Judy Garland?
I have loved Judy Garland since I watched Easter Parade with my grandmother, aged six. Judy was the basis for my thesis when I was doing my degree and my impersonations of her online were what first garnered attention my way. I am basically just a huge fan of Judy Garland, who happens to be able to sing like her! I discovered I could do this aged 12.
When making my “Song a Day” series of videos during lockdown it was suggested to me by viewers that I sing songs she never did, so that there could be the possibility that one could imagine what might have been if she’d continued performing and recording. I worked closely with musicians to create “Judy-fied” arrangements, with subtle nods to previous material.
After the wonderful producer and agent Scott Stander (based in Hollywood!) saw these (particularly the song 50 Percent recorded in my car!) He said the classic Judy and Mickey line of “Let’s put on a show!” Or words to that effect!!
What was the process like working with Steve Orich on the orchestration for this show?
Absolutely wonderful. For someone so talented, experienced and successful Steve was amazingly open to suggestion and collaboration. As a younger, less-experienced female, I was briefly worried (before I met everyone) that I might have to fight to be heard: working with such giants in the industry (Steve won a Grammy for orchestrating Jersey Boys) but honestly, Steve was fabulous.
He really listens and appreciates my knowledge of Judy Garland’s music and what works for my voice. I have become great friends with him and his wife Judy and we often leave each other voice notes at odd times of the day due to the time difference!!!
Can you share any memorable moments from your performances at Carnegie Hall and other venues during your U.S. tour?
On my most recent visit to Carnegie Hall in December 2023 I was lucky enough to have the chance to perform with and interview onstage the wonderful John Meyer – Judy’s penultimate fiancé, the author of the fantastic book “Heartbreaker” and the man who wrote her last 3 songs: “I’d Like To Hate Myself In The Morning”, “It’s All For You” and “After The Holidays”.
John was a really great guy and we had become genuine friends. Unfortunately that show in December was his last live performance as he died unexpectedly from complications after surgery in February. I was so sad to lose him but it was so good that he had shone onstage just two months before at the age of 84 and received a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall.
Another inspiring experience for me was getting to meet in person so many of the people who had watched and commented on my daily videos in the pandemic. It was so touching to hear from people how much those daily videos had helped or cheered them. That was the intention when I made them, but I never dreamed that they’d be being watched by New York nurses coming off their gruelling shifts every day.
A group of nurses came to the show together and spoke to my Mum about it, telling her how watching these little videos I made in my utility room or my car had become a ritual for them after their shifts and a way to switch off from what they had been having to deal with that day. They had also bought gifts for my daughter. It was humbling and so lovely.
How do you incorporate songs from artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga into a show cantered around Judy Garland?
Judy was a music fan and a supporter of other artists (she gave Barbra Streisand one of her first big tv breaks) in her lifetime she covered songs by Stevie Wonder and other contemporary artists, so I figured that she probably would have sung her own versions of today’s hits. I particularly wanted to do Back to Black as I think Judy and Amy would have had a great time together!
I want to celebrate these artists and keep them in the public consciousness. It makes it a bit different and interesting performing these “What if” songs alongside the Garland classics.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see I’m Still Here?
First of all – Thank you! Secondly, please come along, it’ll be great! Fabulous musicians, Steve Orich conducting and you’ll be supporting a 40 year old Mum from Walthamstow who thought her youthful dreams of performing had passed her by! It just goes to show- don’t give up! If you love doing what you do, keep at it. Persevere! You never know what fate may have in store for you!!!
