New Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! is to end its run at the Piccadilly theatre earlier than expected, closing its doors on 29 June.
Written by actress and comedian Jennifer Saunders, Viva Forever! charts the trials and tribulations of Viva as she enters a TV talent show with her girl band Eternity. As the panel of fame vultures passes judgement on the wannabe superstars, Viva must choose between fame and friendship.
Taking inspiration from the themes found in the girl band’s songs to tell its tale of love, loyalty and friendship, the musical features some of the Spice Girls’ most popular hits including Too Much, Goodbye, 2 Become 1, Stop, Mama, Who Do You Think You Are, Spice Up Your Life and, of course, Viva Forever.
Directed by Paul Garrington with choreography by Lynne Page, the production’s cast includes Sally Ann Triplett, Hannah John-Kamen, Bill Ward, Tamara Wall, Sally Dexter, Siobhan Athwal, Lucy Phelps and Dominique Provost-Chalkley.
Talking about the show’s West End departure, producer Judy Cramer said: “It is with a heavy heart that we’ve had to make this very difficult decision to post closing notices for this original show which is blessed with one of the most brilliant casts currently on the West End stage. The show has evolved since we first opened and is now brighter, lighter and funnier, but despite the wonderful audiences and extremely positive feedback we just can’t make it work. I’m so proud of everyone involved in this production. Viva Forever! may be taking it’s leave for now in the West End but the legacy of Spice Girls will never fade.”
It has not yet been announced what will follow the musical into the Piccadilly theatre.