Opening Ceremony – British Talent at its Finest

As the RAF’s “Red Arrows” aerobatics team conducted a fly-past over the Olympic stadium to leave a tri-colored streak of smoke, the audience could sense that the opening ceremony was about to be the best of what the British could be expected to organize. And indeed, Danny Boyle, the man behind the entire event successfully spelled an enchantment composed of whatever the term ‘unconventional’ can define.

A blend of all global spotlights native to Britain was presented involving theatre, drama and dance. To start with, all possible focus was given to the Royal family with the queen giving an enthralling entrance on the venue; parachuting off a helicopter under the escort of none other than James Bond. Rich tributes were paid to English literature with childhood literature being the main theme.  Live orchestral performances were conducted by mainstream musicians, among which one became a hilarious show with Rowan Atkinson, the man known to the world as Mr. Bean, acting his signature antics and facial expressions while playing a pianist in the orchestra.

They say the world is their stage when it comes to one of the most classical theatrical performances, but here at the ceremony, performers made their stage for the world to see. Platforms of pastures to depict medieval England were established with intricate farming details down to flocks of hen and sheep. The transition to the industrial revolution came next, with hordes of blacksmiths clanging on molten liquid to give form to a first, second, third, fourth and a fifth ring, completing the Olympic insignia raised above the stadium emitting a shower of sparks, absorbing a dim aura of auburn light over the crowds. The awe was completely visible in each and every face raised to view the pyrotechnic display.

As if there had been a lack of star power on the event, David Beckham’s presence on the opening ceremony had remained a controversy over the past months. But you do know the English, when they say its proper British, they do mean proper British in their own sense. Surpassing splendor in class, David led an Olympic torch holder to the venue on a speed boat, driving the vessel himself over the river.

The torch was handed to a group of young British athletes to set alight copper ‘dandelions’. These caught fire from each other one by one, and were then raised in a uniform pattern like petals of a flower to ignite the traditional Olympic cauldron, thus marking the start of the London 2012 Olympics.

Squads of every participating country led a march-past in front of the crowds, waving national flags with intensive shouts by the fans from the stands. The sky was set ablaze into red and blue shades with spiraling and off-shooting fireworks reigning the night over London’s Olympic Park. The entire streak lasted so long and was so intense that a haze of smoke lingered over the region for quite some time after the fireworks stopped, making everyone on the scene realize in their absence how fantastic the show had been.