Viva Forever! stars in London

Back Row left to right) Lucy Phelps (Diamond), Dominique Provost-Chalkley (Holly) and Siobhan Athwel (Luce) with Hannah John-Kamen (Viva), in the new production of Viva Forever at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. (PA)

Stars of forthcoming West End musical Viva Forever! have met up ahead of rehearsals for the Spice Girls-inspired musical.

The show is based around the songs of the chart-topping "girl power" group and the cast will begin working on the production next week.

Stars of the show, newcomer Hannah John-Kamen and experienced West End star and former Eurovision entry Sally Ann Triplett, were announced over the summer.

They are joined by performers such as comedy actress Lucy Armstrong, who has appeared in The Mighty Boosh and Torchwood, and Bill Ward, whose roles have included Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street.

The stars met up at London's Piccadilly Theatre, where the show will open in preview on November 27, ahead of the official opening on December 11.

In the production, John-Kamen will play Viva who along with her three best friends gets swept up in a TV talent show which turns her life upside down. It has been written by Jennifer Saunders.

Producer Judy Craymer said: "We're very excited to be working with such a fabulous group of actors - not only does the cast include some of the most accomplished performers in British musical theatre, but we've discovered some wonderful newcomers as well."

PA