War Horse co-director Marianne Elliott is to bring Girl Power to the stage and prove herself much more than a Wannabe when she directs the upcoming Spice Girls musical.
Viva Forever, which is described as a modern fable of camaraderie, love and loyalty, is expected to take to the West End stage in the autumn of 2012 and will feature a host of songs made famous by the female five-piece that dominated the 90s pop charts, making stars of Baby, Sporty, Ginger, Scary and, of course, Posh.
Judy Craymer, the Mamma Mia! producer who is also putting her producing power behind Viva Forever commented: “I am delighted that Marianne has agreed to direct Viva Forever. With her theatrical aptitude for exploring strong women and their relationships and her meticulousness to detail she is absolutely the right person to direct this new musical which is all about female friendship, celebrity and fame. I’m so happy to have her on board, together with Jennifer Saunders, who has written the musical.”
In addition to War Horse, Elliott has made her name as a director with hit productions including Pillars Of The Community, Saint Joan, All’s Well That Ends Well, Harper Regan, Mrs Affleck, Women Beware Women and Season’s Greetings, all at the National Theatre.
The Spice Girls – Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell – are said to be “delighted” that Elliott is to direct the new musical. Their manager, Simon Fuller, commented: “Judy, Jennifer and now Marianne make an eminent team.”
MA