Jerry Springer Heads Pack for Theater Awards

[TexasStooge]

LONDON, England (Reuters) - A foul-mouthed opera about Jerry Springer's lurid talk show landed eight nominations Thursday for the Laurence Olivier Awards, Britain's top theater accolades.

"Jerry Springer-The Opera" by British composer Richard Thomas is a profanity-laden show which the real-life Springer has given his full support.

Thomas says Springer's show offers ideal material. "It's got tragedy. It's got violence. There are people screaming at each other and you don't understand what they're saying -- it's perfect for opera."

But the show could face tough competition at the awards ceremony on February 22 from two other musicals that have proved box office hits in London: "Ragtime" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

Kenneth Branagh is among the favorites for the Best Actor Award and Helen Mirren, famed as much for her film and television roles, could be in line for the Best Actress Award.