Demanding diva Streisand set for UK concert dates

The legendary singer, who turned 65 this week, is lined up to play a series of gigs at the Millenium Dome now called The O2 Venue in July, with tickets expected to be priced at a staggering £200 a time.

Her return which is expected to become a sell-out within minutes of the tickets going on sale, is likely to be a memorable night - but spare a thought for the staff who will charged with attending to her exacting demands, which could set new standards for diva like on British shores.

When she appeared in Philadelphia to relaunch her live career in September, she insisted on a police dog unit sweeping the auditorium before her sound check, not to mention metal detectors at every door.

The so-called 'rider' which contains all her back-stage requirements from the US gig, which was posted on an American website, included astonishingly detailed information down to the detail of the upholstery on the sofas.

Streisand, who has recorded over 60 albums and her team required five living room sets - fabric covered - "no vinyl please", ten floor lamps "Torchierre style", 35 folding banquet tables and 150 folding chairs.

There was also detailed information about the number and type of locks on the doors, although organisers at the venue were warned that her production team would also need 120 bath sized towels "immediately upon arrival".

But it is her security arrangements for Streisand, who did not perform in public for 27 years, owing to stage fright, that are likely to raise eyebrows the most.

This stated that plain clothed guards should be "neatly dressed in dark jackets, blazers or sweaters".

The leaked rider in the US stated: "This tour requires metal detectors at all entrance doors, including backstage and all employee entrances. These must be actively manned throughout the entirety of the show day and the performance.

Also there will need to be a thorough inspection of the facility by a police K9 prior to sound check."

A source said: "She is being lined up for three nights at the dome - it will be worth millions and the tickets will sell out immediately."

Streisand, who has a child Jason, from her first marriage to Elliott Gould, has previously faced reports that she was facing legal action from angry fans when she announced her tour last year - as they insisted they had forked out a fortune on what they thought were her last ever performances on a previous tour. She told fans she was quitting touring for good in 1999.

The singer was the second most successful live act in the US last year making over £46m pounds from just 20 shows as she staged her first tour since 1994. The average price of a ticket was £145 with some seats selling for nearly £400.

She was supported on that tour by Il Divo, who backed her on some of the songs.

The star, who has sold more than 70 million records worldwide, claimed she was donating £5.3 million from the tour to charitable causes, but sparked controversy when she repeatedly mocked George Bush in a sketch during the show.

Last time Streisand toured in the UK in 1994, the hype backfired as frantic touts desperately tried to sell tickets for her concert below face value.

Advance publicity which had seemed to bill the concert as a sell out was blamed for putting people off at the time, but she still received a standing ovation when she took the stage.