A STAR of Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! says the show has emerged “a lot bolder and a lot brighter” after a rough reception from critics.

Lucy Phelps, of Callow End, near Malvern, stars as Diamond, one of main character Viva’s best friends, and said while none of the cast read reviews following the show’s press night in December, the show has now improved dramatically.

Viva Forever! was performed for critics after just two weeks of preview shows – with the usual preview period for performances being about 12 weeks.

She said the team, including the show’s writer Jennifer Saunders, sat down and listened to what the critics had to say and have now come out on the other side.

“None of us read the reviews. As performers that’s probably the wisest thing you can do,” said the 25-year-old former member of WODYS (Wor-cester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section).

“Your job is to go on and do a good show so the best idea is not to read them.

“If anything, we were aware of the negativity but it made the company closer and more determined. It was a tough period of time.

“When you’re in something, it’s hard to know what’s coming across at times.

“It is like a new show, it’s a lot bolder and a lot brighter. It’s more of a spectacle.

“It’s a lot more physically demanding. It drives at a faster pace, it’s exhilarating in a slightly different way than it was before.”

But despite the comments from the Press, there were five very special VIPs in the audience who have been ‘incredibly supportive’of the show – the Spice Girls themselves.

Lucy said: “They’ve come to see the show numerous times.

“They always stay and chat to us. They’re very personable and supportive of the whole venture.

“I was a little bit star struck when I first met them but they come across on TV as they do in real life – there’s no aura around them.

“They make you very relaxed. It’s the same quality that Jennifer Saunders has. She makes you feel very relaxed in her presence.”

But Lucy admitted she is still shocked by her success.

She said: “Last year, I’d just finished another job and I was an unemployed actress.

“I never would have believed that a year later I would have met Jennifer Saunders and the Spice Girls. It’s a wonderful experience and I’m making some great friends.”