S7 Ep6: From the local record shop to writer of Mamma Mia!: Catherine Johnson

Mamma Mia! Here we go again! I’m so sorry - how can I resist this? But if you need a dose of Abba and to meet one of the kindest, most talented and humble women with her own Hollywood story then this is the conversation for you.Catherine discovered her love of writing when she was six years old. She wrote all the time, but little did she know that when she was working behind the counter in her local record shop, something she wrote then would help pave the way to her writing one of the biggest musicals and films of all time.Catherine won a competition and started writing plays before moving on to television, but it was when she met the producer Judy Craymer over a cup of tea, everything changed. Mamma Mia! the musical has been seen by over 65 million people all over the world. On its the release the film made history as the highest grossing movie of all time at the UK and Irish box office. What’s even more special is the musical and the film were created by 3 women who formed a special and fabulous friendship.Catherine’s work has received an Olivier award, a Tony award, a Golden Globe nomination, a Bafta, a National Film Award…among many, many others. But here is what’s so special about Catherine, she is one of the most down-to-earth loveliest people, you could ever wish to meet.Catherine tells us what really happened when she met Bjorn and Benny, she talks about the moment she found out Meryl Streep was going to star in the film, and how friendships have seen her through all her Next Chapters. Catherine is a real superstar in every sense of the word and she gives some fabulous advice for all our Next Chapters.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenextchapterbyelliebarker.substack.com