Director of Mamma Mia! given honorary degree by University of Birmingham

Dec 10 2009 by Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

MAMMA Mia! The director of the hit musical set against the songs of ABBA has been awarded an honorary degree in Birmingham.

Phyllida Lloyd, who studied English and drama at the University of Birmingham before graduating in 1979, was presented with a Doctor of Letters from the same institution.

She receives her honorary degree alongside nearly 3,000 students who are graduating from the Edgbaston university this week.

Also receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters is Vikki Heywood, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company which employs 700 staff and produces more than 20 productions a year from its home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Phyllida, aged 52, left university to work for BBC Television Drama.

Her career then took her to theatres across the country, including a 1991 debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company, before venturing into the world of opera with award-winning success.