Saunders to write Spice Girls musical

Judy Craymer’s new musical, Viva Forever, a modern fable of camaraderie, love and loyalty based on the songs of the Spice Girls, is to have an absolutely fabulous writer on board, with confirmation that Jennifer Saunders will write the original story for this romantic comedy musical.

Judy Craymer’s new musical, Viva Forever, a modern fable of camaraderie, love and loyalty based on the songs of the Spice Girls, is to have an absolutely fabulous writer on board, with confirmation that Jennifer Saunders will write the original story for this romantic comedy musical.

In confirming the announcement, Craymer said: “Having Jennifer Saunders on board is the best possible start Viva Forever can have. We are creating a new contemporary story about friendship, celebrity and fame with the music of the Spice Girls.  Jennifer is brilliant at writing about these themes and the Spice Girls’ songs connect powerfully in a smart and moving way.”

Jennifer Saunders, the highly successful, five-time BAFTA winning comedienne, screenwriter and actress 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 write the book for them as well as myself. It has been great fun so far.”

Jennifer began her career in the early Eighties as a member of The Comic Strip, after graduating from the Central School of Speech and Drama. Along with her comedy partner Dawn French, she wrote and starred in the eponymous sketch show, French and Saunders, and received international acclaim for writing and playing the lead role of Edina Monsoon in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. This is not Jennifer’s first outing with the Spice Girls – she had a cameo in their 1998 movie Spiceworld.

Simon Fuller, the Spice Girls’ manager, said: “The girls and I are really happy that Jennifer is writing the book. She has really identified and incorporated what the Spice Girls represent to women around the world.”
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Viva Forever is produced by Judy Craymer in association with Universal Music, Simon Fuller and the Spice Girls.

The show will open in London in 2012 and is expected to eventually make its way to Australia.