Queen Elizabeth II has named Barry Humphries the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE. Humphries was seen on Broadway in the original 1963 production of Oliver! as well as in Dame Edna, The Royal Tour and most recently, Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance. The theatrical community was also represented by Judy Craymer, producer of the worldwide phenomenon Mamma Mia!, who was awarded Member of the British Empire or MBE as part of this year's Honours.

In addition to the smash Broadway and London productions of Mamma Mia! Craymer has 18 other Mamma productions worldwide as well as the upcoming movie version, which she is also producing, starring Meryl Streep. The film of Mamma Mia!, which is scheduled for a summer 2008 release, reunites Craymer with original book writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd.

The Honours, bestowed by the Queen, is an acknowledgment of excellence awarded to roughly 950 individuals across the U.K. for various forms of service.