The creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch is set to receive a special award at the Tonys.

John Cameron Mitchell wrote and originally starred in the raunchy cult musical about East German singer Hedwig – who undergoes botched gender reassignment.

In the past year the show has returned to Broadway with a string of huge names taking the leading role, including Neil Patrick Harris, Dexter star Michael C Hall, and as of this week Glee star Darren Criss.

The Special Award – one of the highest accolades in the theatre world – was announced as the nominations for the Tony Awards categories were confirmed.

Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, said: “John’s return to ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ is one for the history books.

“He not only wrote and co-created the role with Stephen Trask, before directing and starring in the film, but returned to Broadway to star as Hedwig this season after a series of rave performances by Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells and Michael C Hall.

“This is a remarkable undertaking, and we are honoured to recognize his outstanding success with this honour.”

John Cameron Mitchell came out publicly in the New York Times in 1992 – and his later work including controversial film ‘Shortbus’ often concerns sexuality and gender.

Darren Criss – who has taken up the lead role as Hedwig this week – has asked fans not to spoil his performance.

He tweeted: “My humble request for people seeing #HedwigOnBway is maybe not tweet what she ends up doing on stage- don’t wanna spoil it for everyone,

“But definitely get folks to come see the show! I just think it’s more fun that way. Let’s promote w/out ruining the goods.”