Geri Halliwell was the latest celebrity to 'pop up' in a West End musical as part of BBC Children in Need's project POP Goes the Musical.
Audiences were delighted when the Spice Girl took to the stage after the final curtain call at Singin' in the Rain and proceeded to perform with the show's leading man Adam Cooper. Former Royal Ballet dancer Adam joined Geri as the two gave an energetic rendition of Gene’s Kelly's iconic Singin' in the Rain scene.
Geri was unfazed as rain fell on the singing duo, happy to splash about and enjoy the performance. Dressed in a smart grey suit and waistcoat with a maroon-coloured tie, the 40-year-old twirled her umbrella and swung from the stage's replica lamppost.
It's not the first time Watford-born Geri has sung in the rain. In the video for her 2001 single It's Raining Men the singer was famously joined by a team of backing dancers as the heavens opened above their heads.
Out to show their support at the Palace Theatre were Geri's mum Ana Maria and sister Natalie who clapped and cheered from their seats in the audience. Although she was unable to be there, Geri’s Spice Girl pal Mel B was sure to tweet her congratulations to the singer saying "well done my love, heard you killed it, just like I thought you would!! Miss ya!!"
After her appearance Geri commented that "performing in Singing In The Rain in the West End was an absolute blast and an privilege to be lifted by the gorgeous Adam Cooper. The audience were fantastic, it was a dream come true." And she later tweeted "thank you so much for tonight, everyone at the theatre were gorgeous, so lovely to see my fans.. You're the best in the world so loyal!x"Geri's West End performance comes just weeks after she and Emma Bunton showed their support for Sporty Spice Mel C during her role as Mary Magdalene in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.And the girls' legendary music is also soon to hit theatreland as Viva Forever, the Spice Girls inspired musical penned by Jennifer Saunders, launches at the end of the year.
Pop Goes the Musical, Children in Need's initative that sees celebrities joining the cast of well-known shows is now in mid-flow. In early October British boyband Blue dropped in on Jersey Boys, which is set to the music of 60s rock and roll group The Four Seasons.
Still to come as part of project are appearances from Macy Gray, girl group of the moment Stooshe and X Factor winner Joe McElderry who will join the cast of Michael Jackson inspired show Thriller Live. All the celebrity performances help to raise vital funds for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
