The cast has finally been announced for the most eagerly anticipated West End spectacular of the year: Viva Forever!
Or, should I say, “the Spice Girls musical written by Jennifer Saunders”.
Rehearsals for the long awaited show begin next week, with previews taking place on Tuesday 27th November, ahead of the official opening on Tuesday 11th December.
West End (and Eurovision) legend, Sally Ann Triplett will head the cast along with newcomer, Hannah John-Kamen. They will play Lauren and Viva – the mother and daughter at the heart of the romantic comedy.
Judy Craymer, Producer said:
“We’re very excited to be working with such a fabulous group of actors - not only does the cast include some of the most accomplished performers in British musical theatre, but we’ve discovered some wonderful newcomers as well.”
Viva Forever! tells the story of family and friends thrown into chaos, as young Viva and her three best friends enter a fickle and gruelling TV talent contest. Viva, Luce (Siobhan Athwal), Diamond (Lucy Phelps) and Holly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) find their worlds turned upside down, whilst Lauren fears that her beloved daughter is slipping away from her and further into the whirlwind of fame.
Lauren’s fears for her daughter are embodied in one of the female talent show judges, who lives in constant fear of her spotlight dimming. Whilst the songs remain utterly Spicy, the story departs from the well known tale of Posh, Sporty, Scary, Ginger and Baby, as Producer Judy Craymer explains:
“The story is not about the Spice Girls but rather a contemporary comedy musical with a funny and clever script by Jennifer, which is charged with all the energy and attitude of the girls themselves.”
Other cast members include comedy star, Lucy Montgomery, who plays Lauren’s best friend Suzi.
Meanwhile, the TV talent show judges are to be played by Bill Ward, Sally Dexter and Tamara Wall.
The show opens on 11th December at Piccadilly Theatre, tickets can be booked by calling 0844 8713055 or online at www.VivaForeverTheMusical.com. Prices start at £20.00 and many early performances have sold out.
It is a few months until the show opens, but that doesn’t stop us dancing around the office to “Wannabe” now does it? It is Friday after all.