MAMMA MIA! Producer Judy Craymer Signs on for SPICE GIRLS Musical

Judy Craymer, producer of the global film and theatre smash hit, Mamma Mia!, has announced an agreement with Simon Fuller's new XIX company, The Spice Girls and Universal Music. Judy Craymer Productions is to create and produce a new musical, under the Working Title Viva Forever, based on the songs of another world-wide phenomenon, The Spice Girls.

This is not a tribute show, but it will harness the distinct personality of The Spice Girls to create a musical that celebrates the energy and excitement of the biggest girl-band of all time.

Judy Craymer says, "I'm delighted that Simon Fuller and The Spice Girls are so supportive of the idea of Viva Forever. I want to create a unique celebration of the band and its music, with its own flavour and joyful message. It is important to me that the excitement, style and humour of The Spice Girls is well represented on stage."

Simon Fuller says, "The girls and I are very excited to be working with Judy Craymer. What Judy has achieved with her all conquering box office smash hit ‘Mamma Mia!' and what the Spice Girls created with their powerful record breaking mix of ‘Girl Power!' and hit songs, has influenced Pop culture more than anyone can imagine. Now with this incredible new project Viva Forever we all come together as partners with a combined focus to create something really special for this next decade."

The Spice Girls is the band which invented girl power, sold 75 million records and topped the chart in every country in the world with their albums and many hit singles. They have received countless awards and accolades, including four Brits, three American Music Awards, three MTV Europe Music Awards, three World Music Awards, and one MTV Video Music Award.

The global hit Mamma Mia! has played to a total audience of over 42 million and has taken over $2 billion in the decade it's been running. There are currently more productions of Mamma Mia! playing around the world than any other musical; a total of eight productions (three residents; London, Broadway and Mexico and five tours; International, Dutch, Spanish, US and Australian). Mamma Mia! the Movie is the highest grossing movie ever released in the UK and the highest grossing musical film worldwide.

Judy Craymer's new company Judy Craymer Productions is involved in the creation and production of global entertainment properties. Judy Craymer Productions is a joint venture, specific to stage musical productions, with Universal Music UK. Judy Craymer is the creator and producer of Mamma Mia!. She founded Littlestar Services in 1996 to produce the stage show which opened in 1999, and the film, which was released in 2008.

Judy was presented with a Woman of the Year Award in recognition for her international success with Mamma Mia! and the show was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical. In 2007, she was honoured with an MBE for her contribution to the music industry.

Mamma Mia! the Movie, starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters and Colin Firth, became the highest grossing musical film worldwide. Judy has been honoured with the Women in Film ITV Achievement of the Year Award. Mamma Mia! the Movie was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, a BAFTA for Outstanding British film and Judy was personally nominated by BAFTA for the Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement.

Simon Fuller's new company XIX Entertainment is involved in the creation, ownership and management of world-class entertainment properties and icons in TV, Film, Music, Sport, Fashion, Theatre and Live Events.

Simon Fuller is one of the world's most respected forces within the global entertainment industry. Fuller founded his first company in London, UK in 1985, naming it after his first hit song, ‘19'. He has managed many talented artists and individuals including Kelly Clarkson, Annie Lennox, Carrie Underwood, The Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, Daughtry, Will Young, Eurythmics, David and Victoria Beckham and world tennis star Andy Murray. Billboard Magazine has certified him as the most successful British music manager of all time.

His TV shows include American Idol, Pop Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and Little Britain USA and have all become global hits. Fuller has been honoured by the Producer's Guild Association in Hollywood for his work in TV, has won an Emmy for Idol Gives Back (which to date has raised $140 million for charitable causes), is a director of Malaria No More and the The Prince's Trust. This year Simon Fuller will executive produce BEL AMI, a new film starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride