Published Wednesday, 18 July 2012
With just nine days to go before the 2012 Olympic Games kick off in London, the Slumdog Millionaire moviemaker is said to be slashing the £27m spectacular by half an hour.
According to The Sun, the pageant is being shortened to give security officials more time to cope with the thousands of fans expected at the Olympic Stadium.
A source tells the newspaper: "The show has been cut because of fears that the checkpoints couldn't cope with the huge rush in and out of the stadium.
"It's not just crowds of fans, athletes and performers (guards from security service) G4S and our soldiers will have to cope with - it's dozens of live animals (featured in the show) as well.
"All will have to be checked and searched before being allowed into the secure area. It's a huge logistical challenge."
Boyle has revealed plans to transform the arena into a scene from the British countryside - complete with 70 sheep, 12 horses, chickens, cows, goats, geese and dogs.