The musical – which will tell the rags-to-riches rise to fame of the five members, Geri Halliwell, Mel B, Victoria Beckham, Mel C and Emma Bunton – is being written by Kim Fuller, who also penned the script for the group's 1997 film 'Spiceworld'. Kim is the sister of former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller.

The production will feature 14 of the band's biggest songs, and is set to begin on November 5 next year.

It has previously been reported the group will hold a talent search to find the cast who will play the Spices on stage.

A source said: "It's a fantastic new way to broaden out the Spice franchise and cash in on their personalities, their story and their songs.

"The girls would have to work intensely on a TV show for a short period of time. But then they can launch a musical which could run for months or even years.

"It will take on a life of its own. The concept could even be replicated in other countries. The sky is the limit with this one."

The Spice Girls, who formed in 1994, last performed together in Toronto, Canada, in February 2008.