It’s a great time for the West End right now, shows are extending, breaking records and drawing mammoth audiences left right and centre. Reality TV casting show winners such as Jessie Buckley, Jodie Pregner and Samantha Barks have summoned legions of young people with no previous interest in theatre to the West End. Although it could be argued that these new theatre fans are nothing more than celeb-spotters, it cannot be denied the income they provide can do no harm to theatres across London.

It’s not all good news in theatreland however. The countless thesps ruthlessly panning London show’s current trend of casting celebrities had better sharpen their tongues, Geri Halliwell wants to come to the West End. With the likes of Jude Law on the receiving end of the theatrical glitterati’s fury what possible chance does lacklustre spice stand?

Thankfully, the bendy former Spice Girl has admitted her music career is well and truly over after three number one solo singles and three solo albums. As well as a noteworthy pop career Halliwell has released two autobiographies and recently signed a contract with Macmillan to write six books about “Ugenia Lavender” a character apparently loosely based on Halliwell. I wonder if “Ugenia Lavender and the West End disaster” is in the pipeline?

Before we out and out pooh-pooh the idea of Halliwell treading the boards let us consider her acting credentials. The retired Spice Girl of course appeared in Spice World, a commercial success (which landed the girl group the “worst actress” award at the 1998 Golden Raspberries). She also appeared in an adaptation of Viz’s Fat Slags comic strip (no really, she honestly did) and an episode of single women’s favourite – Sex and the City.

Considering her spice training, Halliwell may well make a fitting addition to one of the more tongue in cheek West End shows. However, her mere presence near a stage may cause the West End’s anti-celeb set to actually explode.
Lets wait and see, how exciting!