David Beckham has given permission for his name and image to be used in a 'Bend It Like Beckham' musical.

The film and musical's title refers to the soccer superstar's ability to curve the ball into the net from seemingly impossible angles.

David, 37, won't appear in the show but has given his blessing to the production, which will use his name and footage of his famous free kicks.

There may even be a song dedicated to the soccer hero.

Director Gurinder Chadha, who helmed the film, will direct the musical as well.

Howard Goodall, who has created theme tunes for TV shows such as 'Red Dwarf', will create the score, and Charles Hart - who wrote the lyrics to 'Phantom of the Opera' - will write the lyrics.

Workshops for the musical are planned for early next year, but it isn't expected to open until autumn 2013, or possibly 2014.

The Beckham family cannot avoid musicals at the moment as a new stage show based on the songs of David's wife Victoria's pop group the Spice Girls came out this week.

The 38-year-old fashion designer attended the premiere of 'Viva Forever!' with her husband and their three sons, Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10, Cruz, seven, at London's Piccadilly Theatre on Tuesday (11.12.12).

The other Spice Girls, Mel B, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel C were also at the glitzy event to open the show - which was written by Jennifer Saunders and is produced by Judy Craymer.