Barbara Johnston

Playwright / Composer/Lyricist / Screenwriter

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Barbara Johnston is a Dora nominated performer, writer, director and choreographer and creator of the critically acclaimed Songs by a Wannabe: (music and lyrics co-written with Anika Johnson and Suzy Wilde). Selected writing credits– with Anika Johnson: Blood Ties (Edinburgh Fringe/feat. on Orphan Black, NSTF, ACT Windsor), Choir! (TO Fringe/Edge of the Sky, Yes! Theatre), One Small Step (TO Fringe/Edge of the Sky/Yes! Theatre), Living the Dream (w. book writer Nick Green; CMTP), Summerland (w. Anika Johnson and Suzy Wilde). With Suzy Wilde - Be Kind, Rewind. Barbara has spent over a decade touring the globe as “Ginger Spice” in Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute. Selected actor in theatre; for Mirvish - Come From Away (standby Beulah, Bonnie, Diane, Janice); Dr. Silver (Vera in Outside the March/MSC); Selected choreography credits (TV) Orphan Black, Ginny & Georgia; (Theatre) Musical Stage Company/Outside the March. She is the front woman of country band ‘Love Hurts’.

Works by Barbara Johnston

CHOIR!

By Anika Johnson & Barbara Johnston

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One Small Step

By Anika Johnson & Barbara Johnston

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[Johnson and Johnston] are powerhouse creators and terrific performers. 

Lynn Slotkin
The Slotkin Letter

NNNN

After watching Barbara Johnston’s marvellous bittersweet show Bubble Babz: Songs From The Tub, I’d be willing to light a few candles, sink into a soothing tub and contemplate (or forget about) life for a while. Especially if I could listen to her catchy songs (which she’s written with Anika Johnson and Suzy Wilde) while I’m in there.

Glen Summi

(Praise for Blood Ties:)

Imagine that: an internal rhyme. Lyricists who can rhyme with point and accuracy at the end of a line are rare enough these days; those who can do it in the middle of one are phoenixes. Need I add that the words sit perfectly on the music, and that the music is also fine, theatrical and contemporary at once?

National Post
Robert Cushman