The Greatest Showman #792 - Fateful Moment
Even a native Londoner like Eddie Redmayne, born and raised in the city, finds himself grumbling about the weather. His hands and feet are icy, his limbs numb, forcing him to jump in place, stretching and moving to get the blood flowing again. Anything to avoid turning into a frozen statue.
The simple warm-up makes his heart pound, and a creeping nervousness begins to build. Thoughts about the upcoming audition swirl uncontrollably in his mind, surging up and down, his heartbeat hammering against his eardrums, his temples aching from the pressure. This was not his first audition, but it was the most important of his career.
The Redmayne family is part of Britain's emerging elite. Eddie's grandfather, Richard Redmayne, was chairman of the British Empire's Bureau of Mineral Resources and was later knighted. His father is a banker, and his mother runs a human resources company. Though affluent, they are not aristocrats, and their family culture lacks the rigid expectations of the old nobility. His parents' divorce and his siblings attending different universities—Oxford and Cambridge—would have been unthinkable in aristocratic families. But times have changed, and so has high society.
For Eddie, this change meant freedom—freedom to pursue his true passion: acting.
His parents never discouraged his interest in the arts; instead, they supported him in his ambitions. At twelve, he took his first steps onto the West End stage in a production of Oliver Twist, a performance directed by the now-renowned Sam Mendes. That small role solidified his dream.
At Eton College, he frequently performed in school plays and toured with the National Youth Musical Theatre. Later, he studied art history at Trinity College, Cambridge, while continuing to hone his craft on stage. After graduation, he threw himself into theater, starring in productions like Twelfth Night and refining his skills with every performance.
His transition to television and film was gradual. He landed roles in The Good Shepherd, where he played Angelina Jolie's son, followed by films such as Savage Grace with Julianne Moore, Elizabeth: The Golden Age alongside Cate Blanchett, and The Other Boleyn Girl with Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman. Most recently, he portrayed the lead in My Week with Marilyn, opposite Michelle Williams.
Despite these roles, true stardom remained elusive. At 29, after a decade in the industry, he was still waiting for his breakthrough. Now, at last, it had arrived: the opportunity to audition for the film adaptation of Les Misérables.
This was no ordinary Hollywood musical. With a production team dedicated to preserving the integrity of the stage play, led by producer Cameron Mackintosh and director Tom Hooper, the film emphasized talent over fame. Everything about the casting process felt as if it had been designed for Eddie. It was as if destiny itself had placed this opportunity in front of him.
His goal: Marius. The role was almost tailor-made for him—his youth, background, experience, and even his previous portrayal of Marius at Eton College made him an ideal candidate. But now, after years of experience, he believed he could bring even more depth to the character.
After surviving three grueling rounds of auditions, he had finally reached the decisive moment. Today, Cameron Mackintosh and Tom Hooper would be watching in person. Their presence confirmed that stage experience was paramount—after all, only those who have witnessed live theater truly understand its magic.
This was it. The moment that could change everything.
No matter how many auditions he had faced, no matter how many times he had stood on a West End stage, his nerves surged anew. He forced himself to take deep, steadying breaths. Calm down. Focus.
"Eddie Redmayne?"
A voice called from the entrance to the stage. A staff member held a clipboard, scanning the room. "Eddie Redmayne?"
"Yes!" Eddie responded, snapping out of his thoughts. He jumped to his feet, the old wooden floor creaking beneath him. London's historic theaters carried the weight of time in every sound. Ignoring it, he strode forward.
The staff member glanced at the sheet. "Eddie Redmayne, auditioning for Marius?"
"Yes."
"You'll be performing Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." The staffer's tone was crisp and professional. "Once you step onto the stage, don't rush. Take your time to settle in—walk, find your mark, let the lighting adjust. Once everything is in place, begin."
This was not just a vocal test—it was a full performance. A moment to embody the role completely.
Eddie nodded, absorbing every word.
"Before stepping on stage, introduce yourself and the role you're auditioning for. Wait for two seconds. When the signal comes, you may begin." The staffer smiled. "Any questions?"
"A complete aria?" Eddie asked, knowing how crucial this detail was.
The staffer smiled knowingly. "Yes. The full Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, performed in the style of a stage play."
Eddie exhaled slowly. His preparation had been right. A single mistake here could cost him everything.
Taking his place at the edge of the stage, he began his warm-up exercises. From the stage, the sounds of another actor's audition drifted toward him—the same aria he would soon perform. Another contender for Marius. But now was not the time to think about the competition. Now was the time to focus.
His breathing steadied. His mind sharpened.
The previous audition ended. A moment of silence. Then, from the stage, the staff called, "Next."
Eddie took one last deep breath. This was his moment. His chance to shine.
He stepped forward and projected his voice. "Eddie Redmayne, auditioning for Marius." His introduction was clear, precise, unwavering.
A beat of silence. The signal came.
Eddie stepped onto the stage.
At that moment, he was no longer Eddie Redmayne. He was Marius.
His movements were confident yet graceful, like the first light of dawn. Reaching the center of the stage, he adjusted his posture, scanning the audience with a measured gaze. He bowed slightly in acknowledgment, then turned and took his seat, allowing his body to settle into the role.
His time had come.
But just as he was about to begin, a surprised voice echoed from the audience.
"Renly?"