Danny Boyle's Olympic Opening Ceremony nominated for top theatrical award

Tory MP Aidan Burley called Danny Boyle's Olympic opening ceremony “multi-cultural leftie crap” (Reuters)

Danny Boyle's triumphant Olympic opening ceremony has been nominated for a top theatrical award.

The east London extravaganza which kicked off the London games is shortlisted for Theatre Event of the Year in the Whatsonstage.com awards.

The nominations were revealed today at an event at the Cafe de Paris in central London.

The newly opened stage version of the Whitney Houston blockbuster The Bodyguard has six nominations including Best New Musical, while the National Theatre is top venue with 25 nominations including six for The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time.

The list of nominees is drawn up after thousands of theatregoers are asked to pick their favourites from the year.

Nominated for their roles in The Bodyguard, which only officially premiered in the West End this week, are Heather Headley and Lloyd Owen.

The pair, who are nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Musical, take the roles made famous by Houston and co-star Kevin Costner.

There is also a nod for Spice Girl Mel C and Tim Minchin who are nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Supporting Actor for their roles in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Other big names to be nominated include Mark Rylance - up for Best Actor in a Play for his performances in Twelfth Night and Richard III.

Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Play, as is Stephen Fry who made his long-awaited return to the stage after 17 years in Twelfth Night.

The Best Actress in a Play award sees nominations for stars including Julie Walters, for her performance in The Last of the Haussmans, and Billie Piper.

Also nominated are Sheridan Smith and former EastEnders star Jill Halfpenny.

The West End debuts of Rob Brydon and former Pop Idol star Will Young are both recognised with a nomination for London Newcomer of the Year.

Voting begins today and closes at the end of January with the winners announced at an event at the West End's Palace Theatre in February.

PA