Director Marianne Elliott Withdraws from Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever

War Horse director Marianne Elliott is no longer attached to the previously announced West End Spice Girls musical Viva Forever, according to the U.K.’s Daily Mail. Elliott, who had gotten the green light from the original members of the ‘90s pop group, was initially enlisted by Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer to helm the project.  Paul Garrington, resident director of Mamma Mia!, will reportedly direct an upcoming workshop of the piece, still due to open in London in fall of 2012.

Viva Forever, written by comedian and Absolutely Fabulous alum Jennifer Saunders, will not be a bio-play of the popular singing group. Instead, the story will take the structure of a TV talent contest. The show will explore the nature of instant celebrity, friendship, mother-daughter relationships and the impact of social networking on society. The show will include 18 Spice Girls songs such as "Stop," "Say You'll Be There" and the title song "Viva Forever."

As previously reported, The Spice Girls themselves (Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Victoria Beckham and Melanie Chisholm) will be involved during the show's pre-production.