LONDON: Viewers were not terribly saddened by the news that the Spice Girls' "Viva Forever" playing in the West End of London was to stop its run after only 6 months of showings. They told Bikyanews.com after a recent show that it was "not so great and the music wasn't even fun." The musical has been unable to mobilize and garner the public and will have its last performance on June 29, despite previously extending its booking period into next year. It is reported to have lost more than £5m, producer Judy Craymer has announced. Craymer said she was posting closing notices "with a heavy heart". "We set out to create a contemporary story that truly reflects our time; to take a satirical look at the underbelly of a TV talent show and the chaos that ensues for a mother, her daughter and their friends, a theatrical event to embrace all generations both on and off the stage. "Testament to that achievement is the standing ovation at every performance from an audience of families and friends all enjoying a great night out," she said. "The show has evolved since we first opened and is now brighter, lighter and funnier, but despite the wonderful audiences and extremely positive feedback we just can't make it work." The Spice Girls, apparently speaking in unison, thanked the cast and their fans in a statement: "Although Viva Forever! won't continue in the West End we are thrilled that the thousands of people who came to the show had as much fun as we did." BN
