Viva Forever! Ends Run at West End's Piccadilly Theatre June 29

//assets.playbill.com/editorial/10a84ccbb94d250643d525c4738f55d0-vivaopen200.jpg — Hannah John-Kamen Photo by Brinkhoff/M

The show opened officially at the Piccadilly Dec. 11, 2012, following previews that began Nov. 27; it is directed by Paul Garrington.

In a statement when the show's closure was announced in May, Craymer stated, "It is with a heavy heart that I’ve had to make this very difficult decision to post closing notice for Viva Forever! at The Piccadilly Theatre for 29 June, 2013, an original show which is blessed with the most brilliant cast currently on the West End Stage. Despite the wonderful audiences, extremely positive feedback and the standing ovation at every performance from an audience of families and friends all enjoying a great night out, we just can't make it work. I am extremely proud of everyone involved in this production. Viva Forever! may be taking its leave for now in the West End but the legacy of Spice Girls will never fade! I want to thank all of you, the fans of Viva Forever!, for your overwhelming and continued support."

Saunders, best known for her TV work as co-creator and co-star of TV's "Absolutely Fabulous" and "French & Saunders," has written the story of a "beautiful, talented girl and her best friends who get swept up in the obsession of today's TV celebrity culture. As she follows her dream, the musical charts her journey into the world of overnight fame and its impact on her relationships with her mother and the friends she thought she’d have forever. From London to Spain and back again, as they confront the bitter reality of fame and as the world judges her, she and her mother learn to empower themselves and be who they really want to be."

Sally-Anne Triplett and Hannah John-Kamen, respectively, play mother and daughter Lauren and Viva. In the show, Viva and her three best friends (Luce played by Siobhan Athwal, Diamond by Lucy Phelps and Holly by Dominique Provost-Chalkley) get swept up in a TV talent show where stars are born and dreams are shattered. Lauren's best friend Suzi is played by Lucy Montgomery, with another friend Mitch played by Simon Slater.

The TV talent show judges are played by Bill Ward, Sally Dexter and Tamara Wall, with Ben Cura as Angel, the musical director of the TV talent show; Hatty Preston as Minty, a production assistant; Simon Adkins as Leon, the stylist; and Anthony Topham as Lance, the presenter. The ensemble includes Tom Kanavan, Zak Nemorin, Curtis Angus, Luke Jackson, Oliver Roll, David Rudin, Darrell Carnall, Myles Brown, Charlotte Gorton, Rebecca McKinnis, Lucy Thatcher, Roxanne Palmer, Charlotte Walcott, Sophie Carmen-Jones, Carla Nella, Kirstie Skivington and Helen Ternent.

The Spice Girls had nine number one singles and have sold over 75 million albums worldwide.

The creative team also includes music orchestrator and arranger Martin Koch, who has also worked on Mamma Mia! Other Mamma Mia! creatives who are reunited here include sound designer Bobby Aitken and lighting designer Howard Harrison.

New members of the team are Lynne Page as choreographer and designer Peter McKintosh.

Viva Forever! was produced by Judy Craymer in association with the Spice Girls, Simon Fuller and Universal Music.

To book tickets contact the box office on 0844 871 3055, or visit www.VivaForeverTheMusical.com for more details.

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins

Me and "Minty" (played by Hatty Preston) strike a pose for a snap onstage during the performance. Cheeky! #DontTellJudyCraymer — PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins

Spend a day at the new musical *Viva Forever!*, featuring the songs made famous by the Spice Girls and a book by Jennifer Saunders. Cast member Simon Adkins, who plays the role of Leon, shares photos from a recent day at the theatre. Read the Playbill.com story.
35 PHOTOS

Onesie is on and, like every English guy, I have to start the day with a cup of tea (and it IS tea - ignore the suspicious bottles behind me!)

Simon Adkins

Being driven to work by my driver (also known as my friend Emma) in a mini that I don't fit into. It's comedy on wheels.

Simon Adkins

Coffee time on the road to the day job. Wild Bean Cafe is one of the gas station's finest blends.

Simon Adkins

Outside my day job in Essex (head east of London and you end up in Essex) with my colleague Keeley.

Simon Adkins

Putting my Second Year students through their paces.

Simon Adkins

Showing my students how it should be done (a special thank you to Christina for being my unwitting partner in this shot).

Simon Adkins

Lunch in nearby Basildon and a well deserved teacher gossip fest.

Simon Adkins

On the train headed to London's West End. Catching up on some tweaks to the script by our illustrious writer Jennifer Saunders.

Simon Adkins

2.30 pm outside the Piccadilly Theatre in London - home of <i>VIVA FOREVER!</i> — 2.30 pm outside the Piccadilly Theatre in London - home of *VIVA FOREVER!*

Simon Adkins

Quick line run with some fellow company members Hatty Preston and Ben Cura before the director arrives. (Note the performers of past Piccadilly productions observing us.)

Simon Adkins

Rehearsals commence on the Piccadilly stage.

Simon Adkins

Tried to take a snap of company in rehearsal. Obviously I failed in this task. They might have spotted me in the fly tower.

Simon Adkins

Rehearsals done for the day. Now give me some pre-show food!

Simon Adkins

But wait…… who's this strapping fellow sporting the MC Hammer throwback pants?

Simon Adkins

Taking time out before the show. Which of you spotted the salad bowl in my hand before the pizza crusts in the box?

Simon Adkins

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