Score! David Beckham Gives His Blessing to Bend It Like Beckham Musical

Soccer superstar David Beckham has given permission for his name and image to be used in the previously announced musical adaptation of Bend It Like Beckham, according to the U.K.'s Daily Mail. Beckham won't appear in the show, but has given his blessing to the production, which will use his name and footage of his famous free kicks. There may even be a song dedicated to the soccer hero. Workshops for the musical are planned for early next year, but the show isn't expected to open until fall 2013, or possibly 2014.

Directed by Gurinder Chadha, who also helmed the original film, the stage adaptation will feature a score by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart (Phantom of the Opera). The show, whose title refers to Beckham's ability to curve the ball into the net from seemingly impossible angles, follows a young woman in London who rebels against her orthodox Sikh parents' traditionalism by pursuing her dream of being a professional soccer player. The 2002 film starred Parminder Nagra, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Keira Knightley in her first major role.

The Beckham family recently attended the London premiere of Viva Forever!, the new stage show featuring the songs of David's wife Victoria's pop group the Spice Girls. The other Spice Girls (Mel B, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel C) were also at the glitzy event. Don't forget to zig-a-zig-ah over to Broadway.com's opening night coverage and photo gallery of the new musical!