| Viva Forever! | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Viva_Forever_(musical).png) Promotional poster | |
| Music | Various artists |
| Lyrics | Various artists |
| Book | Jennifer Saunders |
| Basis | Songs by the Spice Girls |
| Productions | West End: 11 December 2012 – 29 June 2013 |
Viva Forever! is a jukebox musical based on the songs of 1990s British girl-group the Spice Girls. It was written by Jennifer Saunders, produced by Judy Craymer and directed by Paul Garrington.
The show began previews at the Piccadilly Theatre, London, on 27 November 2012 and had its Press Night on 11 December 2012. In addition to their many hits, such as "Wannabe" and the eponymous "Viva Forever", the show's score draws heavily from and features nearly every song on the Girls' debut and second albums, Spice (1996) and Spiceworld (1997), respectively. Also included were several songs from the group's third album—such as their hit "Goodbye"—as well as several solo single releases, including "Look At Me" by Geri Halliwell and "I Turn To You" by Melanie C. The show generated over £2,000,000 in pre-opening ticket sales.
Viva Forever! was panned by critics, receiving some of the worst reviews of 2012.[1] It was announced on 2 May 2013 that the show was to close on 29 June 2013 after seven months with a loss of at least £5 million.[2] In a 2016 interview, Spice Girls group member Mel B admitted to disliking the musical, stating that it "wasn’t actually the kind of show the group hoped for."[3]