Elliott, who co-directed the National Theatre's production of War Horse that has just transferred to Broadway's Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, is an associate director at the National, where she most recently directed Ayckbourn's Season's Greetings. She has also worked extensively at the Royal Exchange, Royal Court and the RSC. In a press statement, producer Judy Craymer (who previously produced Mamma Mia!) said, "I am delighted that Marianne has agreed to direct Viva Forever. With her theatrical aptitude for exploring strong women and their relationships and her meticulousness to detail she is absolutely the right person to direct this new musical which is all about female friendship, celebrity and fame. I'm so happy to have her on board, together with Jennifer Saunders, who has written the musical."

Simon Fuller, the Spice Girls' manager, added, "The girls and I are delighted that one of the most brilliant female theatre directors Marianne Elliott is to direct Viva Forever. Judy, Jennifer and now Marianne, make an eminent team."

The show is expected to open in the West End towards the end of 2012.