Spice Girls Reunite As Their Musical Opens

The "very excited" Spice Girls have been reunited in London's West End for the opening night of Viva Forever - a stage musical built around their songs.

The group - Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown - all attended the show's debut at the Piccadilly theatre in London.

They were joined by Jennifer Saunders, who wrote the show set to the songs of the Spice Girls, and Mamma Mia's Judy Craymer, the producer.

Four of them sat together and posed for pictures on their mobile phones, giggling and hugging as they spoke to Sky's Lucy Cotter.

Beckham, aka Posh Spice, kept the audience waiting for curtain up after arriving late because she was reported to be stuck in traffic. She sat with her husband David and her three sons.

Ginger Spice Halliwell said they were all delighted with the show.

"What a privilege - the songs that we wrote a West End cast are now singing," she exclaimed.

Mel C, who was nicknamed Sporty Spice, said: "We're so proud of this. Jennifer Saunders has written an incredible story and we have a wonderful cast. It's a great, great show."

Bunton (Baby Spice) said: "It's been an amazing year for us. It's so nice to be with the girls."

Halliwell added: "We're truly blessed that everybody still supports the Spice Girls."

The show heavily satirises the X Factor, on which Halliwell and Mel B, known as Scary Spice, both appeared as guest judges earlier this year.

The theme of a mother/daughter relationship is also a major part of the plot.

The Spice Girls, all now mothers themselves, previously said they hoped the musical would introduce their music to their young children, many of whom joined them for the show.

As well as the Spice Girls' group hits, Halliwell's solo single Look At Me and Mel C's I Turn To You also feature.

The musical stars newcomer Hannah John-Kamen, and experienced West End star and former Eurovision contender Sally Ann Triplett.

John-Kamen plays aspiring singer Viva who, along with her three best friends, gets swept up in a TV talent show which turns her life upside down.

The cast also includes comedy actress Lucy Montgomery, who has appeared in the Mighty Boosh and Torchwood, and Bill Ward, whose roles have included Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street.