Mel C Set To Take Over As Mrs Johnstone In BLOOD BROTHERS

Melanie Chisholm, the Spice Girl formerly known as Sporty, is set to make her West End debut as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre.

She starts her run on October 26, taking over from The X Factor finalist Niki Evans, and following in the footsteps of stars including Barbara Dickson and Helen Reddy.

Chisholm's former colleague Mel B is the one Spice Girl to have already trodden the musical theatre boards, as Mimi in Rent, and she too has been linked to an autumn West End role - as Paulette in Legally Blonde.International acclaim for Melanie C and fellow Spice Girls has followed the group since their explosive entry into the music scene in 1996. Melanie C, whose real name is Melanie Jayne Chisholm, has also distinguished herself as a successful single singer and songwriter, earning nominations for Brit and Echo Awards, and securing the coveted spot at the top of the Billboard Dance Chart in America.

Currently working on her fifth solo studio album, and juggling first time motherhood duties, Melanie C will also appear in concert at the Royal Albert Hall on October 25 to benefit the PRS Music Members Benevolent Fund, and on November 1 in a benefit for the Caron Keating Foundation. For more information on tickets, visit the Royal Albert Hall website.

Blood Brothers is playing at the Phonix Theatre in the West End. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 0870 060 6629 or online at www.ambassadortickets.com.