Mamma Mia! writer backs town arts group (From Gazette Series)

Mamma Mia! writer backs town arts group

8:30am Tuesday 9th December 2008 in Search By Liza-Jane Gillespie

A THORNBURY arts group has received the support of an award-winning playwright.

Catherine Johnson, the mastermind behind the cinema smash hit Mamma Mia!, has become the founder patron of the Arts and Community in Thornbury (ACT).

ACT, which was established in 2005 and hopes to build a new £6 million theatre and arts complex in Thornbury.

Ms Johnson, originally from Wickwar, has been a playwright since 1987 and has written for television shows such as Casualty and Band of Gold.

However, she shot to fame this summer as the playwright for the stage musical and writer of the screenplay for the film Mamma Mia!, which has become the highest grossing British film ever made.

Ms Johnson accepted the role after being made aware of the project at its launch last year.

She said: "One of the greatest privileges in my professional life is the opportunity I have been given to support local projects such as Arts and Community in Thornbury.

"This ambitious and worthwhile project will provide the area with a much needed, top-class performance venue.

"As demonstrated by the Tobacco Factory in Bristol, an exciting inclusive space can regenerate local business and enhance quality of living by inspiring creativity and collaboration.

"There are opportunities for everyone to be involved in all aspects of the arts and I look forward to many exciting times ahead."

Ms Johnson made a special visit to Thornbury last month to feature on Thornbury FM to talk about her new role as Founder Patron of ACT. as well as discussing what the Mamma Mia! experience had meant to her.

Since September last year ACT have produced a monthly arts event in the town to illustrate the need for such a facility, as well as provide entertainment and raise funds for the project.

ACT’s next event will be Christmas carol singing at the St Mary Centre, Thornbury, this Saturday (10am to 12pm). Schools and local choirs will be performing and shoppers are invited to join in.

For more information about ACT visit www.ACTthornbury.org.uk.