Kelly has revived his career after being cleared of sex abuse claims

Kelly, who appeared in a stage version of John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, will compete for the prize against Kenneth Branagh and Michael Sheen.

Critics had praised the Stars in Their Eyes presenter's performance as Lenny in the play, which toured the UK.

Branagh is nominated for Edmond at the Cottesloe Theatre, and Sheen for Caligula at the Donmar Warehouse.

Kelly was arrested in January last year after accusations he had sexually abused a boy in the 1970s.

He denied the allegations, and was cleared by police the following month.

Winners of this year's awards will be announced on 22 February.

Branagh's Edmond was his first play in 11 years

In the best actress category, Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren is nominated for her part in the play Mourning Becomes Electra.

Amanda Holden will compete with her Thoroughly Modern Millie co-star Maureen Lipman for the best actress in a musical category.

The best actor in a musical category includes Michael Brandon for his role in Jerry Springer - The Opera.

Best new musical will be decided between Jerry Springer - The Opera, Thoroughly Modern Millie or Terrence McNally's Ragtime.

The nominations in full:

Best actress
Eileen Atkins - Honour
Helen Mirren - Mourning Becomes Electra
Ann Mitchell - Through The Leaves
Kelly Reilly - After Miss Julie
Kristin Scott Thomas - Three Sisters

Best actor
Roger Allan - Democracy
Kenneth Branagh - Edmond
Greg Hicks - Coriolanus
Matthew Kelly - Of Mice And Men
Michael Sheen - Caligula

Best performance in a supporting role
Joe Dixon - The Roman Actor
Oliver Ford Davies - Absolutely! (Perhaps)
Paul Hilton - Mourning Becomes Electra
Warren Mitchell - The Price

Best new play
Democracy - Michael Frayn
Elmina's Kitchen - Kwame Kwei-Armah
Hitchcock Blonde - Terry Johnson
The Pillowman - Martin McDonagh

Best revival
Absolutely! (Perhaps)
Caligula
Mourning Becomes Electra
Of Mice And Men

Best new musical
Jerry Springer - The Opera
Ragtime
Thoroughly Modern Millie

Outstanding musical production
High Society
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Pacific Overtures
Tell Me On A Sunday

Best actress in a musical
Maria Friedman - Ragtime
Amanda Holden - Thoroughly Modern Millie
Alison Jiear - Jerry Springer - The Opera
Maureen Lipman - Thoroughly Modern Millie

Best actor in a musical
David Bedella - Jerry Springer - The Opera
Graham Bickley - Ragtime
Michael Brandon - Jerry Springer - The Opera
Kevyn Morrow - Ragtime

Best director
Stafford Arima - Ragtime
Michael Grandage - Caligula
Gary Griffin - Pacific Overtures
Stewart Lee - Jerry Springer - The Opera