Judy Cramer, one of the producers of mega-hit musical Mamma Mia!, has received a UK Woman of the year Award.

She received the Barbour Award for her huge achievement and international success with the hit musical Mamma Mia. The musical took many years to develop and, in the best showbiz tradition, she staked everything on its success.

As we now know, that was a brilliant decision, as Mamma Mia! has become one of the most successful musicals in the world. Since it opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1999, it has been seen by more than 5.5 million people in Britain, the United States and Australia, grossing more than £250 million.

Judy Cramer said, "I'm delighted to be recognized by Women of the Year, and the award means a lot of me. Much of the success of Mamma Mia! is the result of a collaboration that is unprecedented in the theatre world between three women (producer, director and playwright), mirrored by three leading ladies in the production. I'm extremely proud that the international success of the show is providing a wonderful showcase for actresses of all ages."

Mamma Mia continues to play at the Prince Edward Theatre, Soho and at Broadway's Cadillac Winter Garden Theatre.