Podcast: #WOSOuting to Viva Forever!
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
