The 012 Olympics opening ceremony started off the games with a bang! The 3-hour ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle, was full of celebrities, music, special effects, props and athletes!
Daniel Craig, dressed as James Bond, had a cameo with Queen Elizabeth II as they flew over London in a helicopter. Kenneth Branagh recited a part of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, while J.K. Rowling made a surprise appearance and read from Peter Pan. Lord Voldemort played a role, chased away by Mary Poppins. Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson, took part in the London Symphony Orchestra, but not without some humor! The sequence showed Atkinson on the vibraphone, fake sneezing, a dream scene from Chariots of Fire, and a fart joke.
Top hits by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, The Who, Sex Pistols, New Order, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Eurythmics were part of a musical compilation. Live performances took place as well by Dizzee Rascal, the Arctic Monkeys and Paul McCartney. McCartney led the whole stadium in a singalong to “Hey Jude,” as the athletes swayed and sang along.
David Beckham played a role in the opening ceremony, showing up in a dapper suit and arriving on a speedboat to help light the torch.
Danny Boyle definitely delivered a truly magical night at the opening ceremony. What a great way to kick off the 012 Olympics! Let the games begin!
