Matilda The Musical leads America's Tony Award nominations with 12 nods

Matilda has been described as one of the best ever British musicals to hit Broadway (AP)

Stage hit Matilda: The Musical and a show adapted from a low-budget British movie were the toast of Broadway today as they headed the nominations for the Tony Awards.

Matilda, based on the Roald Dahl story with songs by Tim Minchin, has already been a West End hit and now its transfer to New York has landed 12 nominations.

But Kinky Boots, based on the 2005 movie about the real-life tale of a shoe factory which moves into fetish-wear went one better after being shortlisted 13 times.

Both will compete for the best musical prize against Bring It On: The Musical and A Christmas Story: The Musical.

Singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper scored the music for Kinky Boots, whose haul includes nominations for best book, director, choreography and its two leading men Billy Porter and Stark Sands.

Matilda, which was initially staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company, was shortlisted for choreography, best director, orchestration, best book and Minchin is up these lyrics and songs category.

The production also earned a nomination for best leading role in a musical for Bertie Carvel who played the same role of headteacher Miss Trunchbull in London. The actor - who already has an Olivier for his performance - said: "The show is in great shape. People are loving it."

The Producers and Billy Elliot hold the record for most Tony nominations after both grabbing 15 in separate years.

British actor Tom Sturridge - who is engaged to Sienna Miller - is shortlisted for his role in Orphans. He is up against Hollywood star Tom Hanks and David Hyde Pierce - best known for his role as Niles Crane in sitcom Frasier.

Irish writer Colm Toibin competes for best play for The Testament of Mary, against figures such as the late Nora Ephron, nominated for Lucky Guy.

The awards take place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York on 9 June.

PA