YORKSHIRE’S theatre stars are shining bright with five nominations for the prestigious Olivier Awards.

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s new musical, The Girls, based on the inspirational true story of Yorkshire’s Calendar Girls has been nominated for three awards, while Scarborough’s Qdos Entertainment also received two nominations for its West End pantomime, Cinderella.

Showing to sell-out West End audiences at the Phoenix Theatre since January, The Girls was nominated for best new musical and best actress in a musical, while Ben Hunter, from Hull, also received a nomination for best actor in a supporting role in a musical.

Cinderella, which ran at the London Palladium, received nominations for best costume design and in the best entertainment and family category.

Welcome to Yorkshire is the official destination partner of The Girls and its chief executive Gary Verity said: “We’re extremely proud to be supporting The Girls musical, which is fast becoming a national success in London’s West End; showcasing an incredible Yorkshire story to people from around the world and giving them a true taste of our county’s charm and character.

“We’d like to congratulate the cast and crew of both The Girls and Cinderella on their Olivier Award nominations – they are richly deserved and we have everything crossed for a Yorkshire win.”