10 minutes with Liza Minnelli

Can you see yourself marrying again?

After four marriages, that’s it. Ideally, I’d like to date a very wealthy man who speaks beautifully and is very posh. Then I’d like to date a 40-year-old guy who is passionate about something, I don’t care what. Then I’d like to date a 17-year-old who I see twice a week and whose name I don’t know.

Why didn’t marriage work for you?

When you go to a restaurant and someone asks for your autograph, your husband is kind of proud of you the first time. The fifth time that happens, he goes, ‘Oh God.’ It puts a strain on the guy. But I loved Jack [Haley] and Peter [Allen], I really did. And Mark [Gero] I was married to for 14 years.

You’ve sung ‘Over the Rainbow’ only once. Would you perform it again?

Never. My God! Why would I?

But if your fans are asking for it?

As far as I’m concerned that song belongs to my mother and that’s it.

Would you like to see a musical of your life on stage?

Only if I was around to say, ‘That didn’t happen, asshole.’

After Tupac’s hologram appearance at Coachella, who would you consider ‘bringing back to life’ to duet with you?

Sammy Davis Jr or Frank Sinatra – duetting with Frank was so much fun.

How do you stay so flexible?

I go to a jazz dance class every morning; it’s a good way to start the day.

Do you ever perform cabaret at home?

Absolutely, if a song gets me going. I love Ella Fitzgerald, and the Country music I remember being played at Daddy’s house.

What’s your shower song?

[Sings, lustily] ‘Nothing’s impossible, I have found/for when my chin is on the ground/I pick myself up, brush myself off/and start all over again…’ It’s ‘Pick Yourself Up’, from the film Swing Time.

What’s the most diva-ish thing you do?

Put on fake eyelashes before I perform.

Has Beyoncé been in touch with you since you performed ‘Single Ladies’ for Sex and the City 2?

No, but I know her and she’s great. We paid tribute to her in the film.

Do you enjoy performing as much as you once did?

I enjoy it more.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve received from a fan?

A proposal in Paris, two years ago.

Liza Minnelli is performing at Hampton Court Palace Festival on 14 June (hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com)