Jennifer Saunders To Write Spice Girls Musical
Published on Monday 6th September, 10.23am, Written by Jonathan Dudley
Not so very long ago, before the days of Lady Gaga and before Justin Bieber could tackle solid food or support the weight of his own head, the Spice Girls were dominating the pop music world. Fast forward 16 years and they’re back, with their sights on the West End.
Celeb writer? Sorted. Now to find the cast. I smell a reality TV show!
We’ve all known about plans for a Mamma Mia! style jukebox musical featuring the music of Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh, and Sporty for some time now, but this latest nugget of news really sets the tone of the upcoming production. Jennifer Saunders is writing the book.
Yup Jennifer Saunders, star of Girls On Top and Muppet Treasure Island. The lady who wrote Jam & Jerusalem and Absolutely Fabulous (in which she also starred) is to write a “contemporary story about friendship, celebrity, and fame with the music of the Spice Girls”. This is good news.
The show’s producer, Judy Craymer, seemed confident about Saunders’ writing, saying: “Jennifer is brilliant at writing about these themes and the Spice Girls’ songs connect powerfully in a smart and moving way.”
Saunders herself seemed remarkably humble considering she may well be writing the next Mamma Mia!. Speaking about her work on the musical so far, the award-winning comedian said: “I’m thrilled and terrified at the same time. It is very exciting to be writing a musical that encompasses the music and energy of the biggest girl-band of all time. My daughters grew up with The Spice Girls, I had to do it for them as well as myself. It’s been great fun working with Judy Craymer. We have had some hilarious days together in the process so far.”
Viva Forever is expected to open in the West End some time in 2012, until then let’s just remind ourselves just how brilliant the Spice Girls actually were/continue to be.
Oh I LOVE them!!!