Three Billies in line for a Tony as musical gets 15 nominations

Billy Elliot, the Broadway musical based on the hit British film, was today nominated for 15 Tony Awards — more than any other show.

The story of a young miner's son who takes up ballet won recognition for Elton John for best score, Lee Hall for best book, Stephen Daldry for best director of a musical and best musical.

Its trio of young Billies — David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, who alternate to play the main role — received a joint nomination as the leading actor in a musical.

Haydn Gwynne, the only London cast member to make the Broadway transfer, also picked up a nomination for best featured actress in a musical.

The nominations topped a strong showing by British talent in a notable year on Broadway for productions originally seen in London. Matthew Warchus gets two chances at winning the best director of a play for God of Carnage, the Yasmina Reza play originally seen in the West End, and for the Old Vic's Norman Conquests trilogy. Fellow Brit Phyllida Lloyd also has a best director nomination for Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart, originally seen at the Donmar Warehouse.

Its co-stars, Harriet Walter and Janet McTeer, will go head to head for leading actress in a field which also includes Jane Fonda.

There was disappointment for most of the cast and crew of acclaimed hits such as The Seagull with Kristin Scott Thomas, first seen at the Royal Court, and Equus starring Daniel Radcliffe. But the lighting and sound designers of Equus each get a nod.

The Tony Awards, which recognise achievement in live American theatre, will be presented on 7 June at New York's Radio City Music Hall.