JENNIFER SAUNDERS SPICES UP THE WEST END!

It has been announced that actress and comedian **Jennifer Saunders** will be writing the script for **Viva Forever** – the new **Spice Girls** musical, which will portray friendship, celebrity and fame with the music of the Spice Girls. **Judy Craymer**, the producer of the show as well as the current West End hit Mamma Mia!, confirmed the appointment in a statement saying : ”*Having Jennifer Saunders on board is the best possible start Viva Forever can have’ and continues to praise Saunders’ talents by adding “Jennifer is brilliant at writing about these themes and the Spice Girls’ songs connect powerfully in a smart and moving way.*” It is not the first time **Saunders** has had a connection with the Spice Girls as she had a cameo in the 1997 Spiceworld film. Jennifer stated: “*I’m thrilled and terrified at the same time. 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 Spice Girls, I had to do it for them as well as myself. It’s been great fun working with Judy Craymer. We have had some hilarious days together in the process so far.*” The musical is being produced by **Craymer** in association with **Universal Music**, **Simon Fuller** and the **Spice Girls**, and is expected to hit the West End in 2012. **Fuller**, the Spice Girls’ manager, added: “*The girls and I are really happy that Jennifer is writing the book. She has really identified and incorporated what the Spice Girls represent to women around the world.*”