He said the award belonged to everyone connected to the show and especially to "three great gifts of Broadway, our three little Billys", referring to actors David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish.

BBC: Billy Elliot sweeps Tony awards

If the London mascot designers decide not to go down the abstract route they will have plenty of animals to choose from, says Renata Kowalik, conservation programmes manager at the London Wildlife Trust.

BBC: How not to have an Olympic mascot nightmare

The move by the Tonys seems strange since the three boys rotating the lead of "Billy Elliot the Musical" David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish all took home a joint best actor Tony in 2006.

WSJ: 4 girls who play 'Matilda' snubbed by Tonys