Updated: August 30, 2012, 12:00 AM
In Pictures: Paralympics 2012 opening ceremony
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Professor Stephen Hawking speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics at the Olympic Stadium on August 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** 150940539.jpg
Singer Denise Leigh and actor Deepa Shastri perform at the London 2012 Paralympics opening. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Miranda performs during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
ireworks light up the stadium as the Paralympic Cauldron burns during the Opening Ceremony. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
An artist runs through the air during the spectacular opening ceremony for the Paralympics. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Fireworks light up the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Dancer David Toole performs an aerial ballet at the Olympic Stadium. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
A large-scale replica of Marc Quinn's sculpture, 'Alison Lapper Pregnant', emerges from the book stage during the Paralympic opening ceremony. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Former Paralympic archer, Margaret Maughan, lights the cauldron. Toby Melville/Reuters
A member of the cast performs with fire during the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Paralympics. Matt Dunham/AP
North Korea's flagbearer swimmer Ju Song Rim waves as he enters the arena during the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Paralympics. Matt Dunham/AP
Sir Ian McKellen performing during Stephen Daldry's remarkable opening ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympics. Matt Dunham/AP
A performer is suspended in midair during the Opening Ceremony. Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photos
Performers with umbrellas at the Olympic Stadium. Lefteris Pitarakis/AP
A wheelchair racer cuts through the air above the performances at the 2012 Paralympics opening. Lefteris Pitarakis/AP
Margaret Maughan, Britain's first Paralympic gold medalist, lights the Paralympic flame during the Opening Ceremony. Matt Dunham/AP
Performers at the London 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony. Lefteris Pitarakis/AP
Fireworks explode over the Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Paralympics games. Alastair Grant/AP