Theater News

Jennifer Saunders to Write New Spice Girls Musical, Viva Forever

Jennifer Saunders has been hired to write Viva Forever, the new musical based on the songs of the hit group The Spice Girls, to be produced by Mamma Mia! creator Judy Craymer and XIX, the new company formed by the band’s original manager Simon Fuller. No cast, creative team, dates or venue details have yet been announced for the project, although Craymer is reportedly looking for a 2012 bow.

From 1994 to 2001, the Spice Girls — who included Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, and Melanie Chisholm — sold over 75 million records around the world. They won four Brits, three American Music Awards, three MTV Europe Music Awards, three World Music Awards, and one MTV Video Music Award. The group reunited briefly in 2007 for a tour and album.

Saunders is best known for her work as Edina on the hit BBC series Absolutely Fabulous and as part of the comedy team Saunders & French.