Absolutely Fabulous Scribe Jennifer Saunders to Pen Spice Girls Musical

Viva Forever (a.k.a. the Spice Girls musical) has found a Fabulous writer to join its creative team. Jennifer Saunders, who is famous for writing and starring in the Brit TV comedy hit Absolutely Fabulous, will pen the original story for this romantic comedy musical, producer Judy Craymer (Mamma Mia!) announced.

The show is described as “a modern fable of camaraderie, love and loyalty based on the songs of the Spice Girls.”

Saunders is a five-time BAFTA winning comedienne, screenwriter and actress. She began her career as a member of The Comic Strip, after graduating from the Central School of Speech and Drama. Along with her comedy partner Dawn French, she wrote and starred in the eponymous sketch show, French and Saunders, and received international acclaim for writing and playing the lead role of Edina Monsoon in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. This is not Saunders’ first outing with the Spice Girls—she had a cameo in their 1998 movie Spice World.

"I'm thrilled and terrified at the same time,” Saunders said in a statement about her new writing gig. “It is very exciting to be writing a musical that encompasses the music and energy of the biggest girl-band of all time. My daughters grew up with The Spice Girls; I had to write the book for them as well as myself. It has been great fun so far."

The Spice Girls—Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice), Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) and Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice)—formed in 1994. With hits like "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There" and "Spice Up Your Life," they went on to become one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

Viva Forever is expected to open in the West End in 2012.