Comedian Jennifer Saunders is to write the story for the Spice Girls musical Viva Forever, it has been revealed. Saunders, aged 52, has stated that she has been thrilled and terrified but the project so far has been great fun. The idea of the show was created by Judy Craymer, the produce of Abba musical Mamma Mia! – a global hit on stage and screen. The production will be based on the Spice Girls original songs but will also feature numerous new contemporary stories about friendship, celebrity and fame. Absolutely Fabulous star Saunders, who last year received the Bafta TV fellowship along with comedy partner Dawn French has said, “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 Spic Girls – I had to write the book for them as well as myself”. Craymer has stated that having Saunders on board to help with the writing is the best possible start which Viva Forever could have. She has stated that Saunders will be brilliant at the writing of the play’s themes and the songs of the Spice Girls connected powerfully in a smart and moving way. Producers are hoping that the show will show at the West End in 2012. This news of Saunders comes after she revealed she had completed treatment for breast cancer in July after she was diagnosed last October.