Opening Ceremony Rumors

While the Olympic Games contain many highs as you watch top athletes from around the world compete in their events, it can be argued that the opening ceremonies are one of the most exciting points in the Games. The host city puts on a show meant to entertain and to show the rest of the world what their country is all about. Organizers of the London opening ceremonies are remaining tight-lipped about the event, but there has been plenty of speculation about what will happen on London’s big night. Even though about 60,000 people watched dress rehearsals for the ceremonies, almost all have respected a plea from the man behind the show to keep it all a surprise for viewers at home.

The show is being planned by Danny Boyle, known for directing hit movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting. With a budget of £27 million (nearly $42 million), Boyle has turned the stadium into the rural English countryside. There will even be real sheep (I hope that huge budget includes a paycheck for a designated sheep poop-scooper). The event will take place on Friday, July 27.

It turns out that not everyone who saw the dress rehearsal kept the plans under wraps, as Bleacher Report says that the Associated Press’ Jill Lawless revealed major details. Did Boyle really expect journalists to keep the entire show a secret? So here’s your spoiler warning; if you want to keep the ceremonies a surprise (as they are meant to be), turn back now.

The theme will be “Isles of Wonder,” taken from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Lawless’s report on The Associated Press site says that an actor will recite Caliban’s speech from the play. It was originally meant to be Mark Rylance, but after a death in the family, it is rumored that legendary Shakespearean actor and director (he most recently directed Thor) Kenneth Branagh will recite the lines.

Lawless claims that Paul McCartney will perform “Hey Jude,” something that was also reported on HLN. The Queen will not only officially open the games, she will star in a sketch with Daniel Craig as James Bond, since both Her Majesty and 007 are celebrating 60^th anniversaries this year. In a celebration of famous characters from British literature, Mary Poppins will battle Voldemort. Lawless revealed who wins in the fight between the nanny and He Who Must Not Be Named, but I’ll let you be surprised.

Music could be heard from outside the stadium, though it may be hard to tell whether each band will perform or whether the songs are a recorded part of the show. Songs from The Beatles, The Who, The Sex Pistols, Dizzee Rascal, and Tinie Tempeh has been heard blaring from the stadium in the surrounding Olympic Park.

Some members of the Spice Girls expressed disappointment at not being able to participate in the opening ceremonies, but there’s good news! The Telegraph reports that sources say the nineties group will perform together for the closing ceremonies. The group was approached two year ago about performing, but Victoria Beckham’s busy career made planning difficult.

Lawless revealed even more about the ceremony, but there should be a small element of surprise. If you really love spoilers, you can follow her Twitter, @JillLawless, for more breaking spoilers, or you can read her giant, leak-filled article here.