Spice Girls musical by 'Mamma Mia!' producer in the works

(AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS)

A new musical based on the Spice Girls is being planned by the band's manager and Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer, announced the team on January 21. The show's working title, Viva Forever, is named for the British girl band's 1998 hit single.

Spice Girls founder Simon Fuller, creator of the American Idol TV series, apparently approached Craymer about the musical in 2008. Craymer says she plans to "create a unique celebration of the band and its music, with its own flavour and joyful message... It is important to me that the excitement, style and humour of the Spice Girls is well represented on stage."

Made up of Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, and Melanie Chisholm, the Spice Girls formed in 1994 and became a global phenomenon with its "Girl Power" theme and pop singles such as "Wannabe" and "Viva Forever."

No timetable for the production was given, but Fuller and Craymor reportedly plan to premiere the musical in London's West End.