Tweet

Podcast: #WOSOuting to Viva Forever!

Last night (16 January) we took over 250 theatregoers to see Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre on our Outing.

The show is billed as a comedy musical about "family, friendship and trying to stay true to yourself in a world where everyone craves instant fame and will grab it at any price." It centres on Viva (Hannah John-Kamen), her mum (Sally Ann Triplett) and her friends whose lives are turned upside down by an X Factor-style talent show.

Featuring Spice Girls hits including "Wannabe", "2 Become 1" and the title song, Viva Forever! has a book by comedy star Jennifer Saunders and is directed by Paul Garrington.

Following the show we were joined for a Q&A by resident director Pip Minnithorpe, and cast members Simon Adkins, Sally Dexter, Hannah John-Kamen, Lucy Montgomery, Lucy Phelps, Hatty Preston, Simon Slater and Bill Ward.

They talked about the origins of the show, and the involvement of the Spice Girls themselves from the beginning, and throughout the rehearsal period. Minnithorpe also discussed how the show has changed from the initial workshop period, to the previews, and how it is still growing and evolving even now.

The cast talked about their experiences of the Spice Girls, with many of them being big fans when they were younger. They also discussed their feelings about reality TV shows, and explained how the show keeps in some of the nastier aspects that are not normally seen.

They then discussed the audience reactions that the show gets, particularly when the more famous songs start, and Slater told of the fun of singing "2 Become 1". Finally, Adkins revealed that he has the most expensive "Shoe-drobe" of anyone in the show!

To listen to the Q&A, which was hosted by Terri Paddock, click the 'play' button below; or to subscribe and download from itunes, click here.

As always, please feel free to email your comments and thoughts about the show, as well as any of your favourite insights from last night to feedback@whatsonstage.com and don't forget to tweet using #wosouting! We would love to hear from you.

For details of other upcoming Outings, click here.

-by Rosie Bannister

Follow coverage of our post-show Q&A in the box below or on Twitter @Whatsonstage

Related Content

Booking Tickets & Show Listings
	Viva Forever! Listing Page

Internal Links
	Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! posts closing notices for 29 June - 2nd May 2013 news
	Video: Will Viva Forever! star's walkabout prove a hit? - 18th Apr 2013 tv
	Reality TV-inspired Golden Voice musical premieres at Arts, 19 Jun - 9th Apr 2013 news
	Shows extend: Jersey Boys, Viva Forever! & Les Miserables - 5th Mar 2013 news
	Review Round-up: Frosty reception for Viva Forever! - 12th Dec 2012 roundup
	1st Night Photos: Spice Girls take to stage at Viva Forever! - 12th Dec 2012 photos
	Viva Forever! - 12th Dec 2012 reviews
	Opening: Grandage's Privates on Parade, Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! & Royal Court's Republic of Happiness - 10th Dec 2012 news
	Full casting announced for Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! - 28th Sep 2012 news
	John-Kamen & Triplett star in Viva Forever!, Hobson returns to Mamma Mia! - 13th Jul 2012 news
	Andrew Lloyd Webber gives thumbs up to Viva? - 6th Jul 2012 gossip
	Photos: Spice Girls back together for Viva Forever! - 27th Jun 2012 photos
	Spice Girls reunite to launch Viva Forever! musical, opens 11 Dec - 26th Jun 2012 news
	Live Tweeting: Launch of Spice Girls musical Viva Forever - 26th Jun 2012 news
	Spice Girls musical Viva Forever 'premieres in December' - 1st Jun 2012 news