Jonathan Harvey and Maria Friedman collaborating on new Dusty Springfield musical

The first authorised new musical charting the life of Dusty Springfield is in development.

It has been announced that Jonathan Harvey and Maria Friedman are collaborating on Dusty a New Musical, the first authorised new musical charting the life of Dusty Springfield which is set to premiere in the UK in 2018.

Originating from the notes and memoirs of the late singer's close friend and manager Vicki Wickham, Dusty is written by Jonathan Harvey who has interviewed key people from her life including Pat Rhodes, Dusty's lifelong personal assistant, and friend and record company executive Tris Penna. The production will be directed by Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman.

Dusty Springfield is one Britain's most successful and enduringly popular singers, with hits spanning four decades. Born in London, she became known across the world for her soulful voice and iconic look. Her solo career began way back in 1963, and included the global hits "I Only Want to Be with You", "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" and 'What Have I Done to Deserve This?' with the Pet Shop Boys. Her 1969 masterpiece ''Dusty In Memphis' is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and Dusty has been inducted into both the US Rock and Roll and UK Music Halls of Fame.

Jonathan Harvey's plays include Babies, Boom Bang-A-Bang and Beautiful Thing. He has been the recipient of the Evening Standard, George Devine and John Whiting Awards, and his work has been both Bafta- and Olivier-nominated. Jonathan's extensive television writing includes Coronation Street, Shameless, At Home With The Braithwaites, The Catherine Tate Show and Tracey Ullman's Show.

Maria Friedman made her directorial debut in 2012 with a hugely acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along which won Best Musical at the Oliver Awards 2014. She went on to direct High Society at The Old Vic in 2015 and is currently directing Stepping Out which will play the West End's Vaudeville Theatre from March 2017.

Produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, further details including dates and venue for Dusty the Musical are yet to be announced.