The Spice Girls gave fans what they want - what they really, really want - reuniting onstage to announce the details of a musical based on their songs.

Producers stress that the stage show Viva Forever isn't a biography of the band, but there are plenty of real-life resonances for the 1990s Girl Power group in its tale of female empowerment and friendship tested by fame. The show opens in London in December.

"We're going to be introducing a whole new generation to Girl Power," said Victoria Posh Spice Beckham, who attended a media launch alongside Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown - also known as Baby, Ginger, Sporty and Scary Spice.

Viva Forever aims to tap the same vast female fan base as world-conquering ABBA musical Mamma Mia, which has been produced in 14 languages and spawned a hit film starring Meryl Streep. The Spice Girls show tells the story of four friends whose bond becomes strained when their band enters a TV talent show.