The Greatest Showman #969 - Enjoy talking

Despite the complaints surrounding him, Renly didn't defend himself. Instead, he listened attentively, a smile on his face as though the attention was directed elsewhere, making it seem like he was just a spectator.

Ned couldn't help but find the situation amusing, and asked with curiosity, "Renly, aren't you going to defend yourself? Or maybe join in? Is it really that hard? Training so intensely?"

All eyes turned toward Renly, who simply shrugged, his expression calm. "What can I say? Like I've said before, I'm not a genius. I need to work harder. Geniuses might only need half the time I do..."

A chorus of mocking sounds followed: "Che," "tsk tsk," "nonsense," "what are you talking about," "this is the funniest joke," and "I've never met anyone so shameless." Even Joe Alvin couldn't hide a "chilling" expression, shaking his head in disbelief.

Renly said nothing but smiled, spreading his hands and waiting patiently for the noise to subside. Once it did, he added, "Everyone's complimenting me, and I thought maybe it's better if I stay quiet. Let them continue to praise me." His proud, almost smug expression only made everyone laugh.

Ned shrugged, offering his own opinion, "I guess you have the qualifications for that."

Perhaps, this was the true reason Renly had returned to London: stripped of the commercial pressures, he could focus solely on performance. Day after day, without pause, for three months—a test and refining of his craft beyond what most could imagine.

"So, let's talk about 'Les Miserables.'" Realizing this, Ned shifted focus away from Renly—or rather, from the Oscars—and addressed the real topic of the day. "According to Cameron McIntosh, you auditioned for the film version of Les Miserables. What's the story there?"

"It's just a coincidence," Renly replied, offering a brief account of how the opportunity arose.

Ned's eyes gleamed with interest as he caught a key detail. "But according to Hugh Jackman, you auditioned for Jean Valjean; however, in the story you just shared, you were auditioning for Enjolras and Marius?"

Renly nodded, confirming, "Yes, the role I auditioned for was indeed Jean Valjean. But considering the cast and makeup of the film, it posed a greater challenge. So, during the audition process, I also performed the arias of Enjolras, Marius, and even Epane."

"Jesus Christ, you didn't miss Epane's aria?" Carris-Jack feigned distress, clutching her chest and teasing Ezra, Michelle, and the others, causing everyone to laugh.

Tom Holland blinked, his curiosity piqued. "Really? Did you perform the Enjolras aria? Which one did you sing? Why didn't you show it during rehearsal? Is there a special technique? Enjolras' arias look simple, but there's actually a lot to consider in performance!"

"Tom, Tom," Domhnall-Gleeson interjected with a grin, "Shouldn't you be worried about your own job? If Renly plays Enjolras, you might be out of a role."

Tom waved him off casually. "Mr. Gleason, a truly great actor should never fear competition. It's through constant challenge that we grow and become better."

Renly chuckled, shaking his head. "Tom, you've done a great job. Don't worry." Patting Tom's head affectionately like a golden retriever, Renly continued, "For me, missing out on the movie version is a regret, but Hugh is an excellent actor. I believe he's a better fit for the role. Honestly, I'm already looking forward to seeing his performance."

"So, what do you think is the main difference between the movie version and the stage version?" Ned pressed on.

The comparison between the different versions of Les Miserables had been ongoing since the movie's inception: the Queen's Theatre version, the Almeida Theatre version, and others—each one differing in cast, script, director, and production style, with fans debating which one would prove superior.

Producer Cameron McIntosh confirmed that the film adaptation would be based on the Queen's Theatre version, with some slight modifications. The script and arias would remain largely unchanged, but a few new passages might be added.

So, could the movie surpass the Queen's Theatre version? Could it capture the same magic? More importantly, could the actors live up to the iconic stage performances?

Renly thought for a moment before responding, "For me, the film version tells the story of Jean Valjean. Our stage version, however, tells the story of an entire era. That's the key difference—and why our version is six hours long. Only a stage performance can achieve that scope. No audience would sit through a six-hour movie, not even me." His playful rant had everyone laughing.

As the conversation continued, the tension in the room eased. Renly had returned to being his usual self, and Ned found himself reflecting on the Berlin Film Festival, where Renly had already left a mark. Now, four months later, Renly's maturity seemed to be deepening, almost as if an old soul had inhabited his youthful body—a ridiculous thought, but somehow, it felt true.

The discussion turned to Jean Valjean's character, the ideological core of the stage version, the original intentions of John Codd's creation, and Renly's experiences on the West End working alongside young actors.

Naturally, the other actors joined the conversation too, and it felt less like an interview and more like a lively group discussion, akin to a talk show. The atmosphere was light and enjoyable.

"Knock knock." A light tap on the door interrupted the conversation, but the chatter didn't stop. Tom was still vividly recounting a rehearsal mishap that had caused Renly to erupt in frustration, chilling the entire crew—including the director, John, who hadn't dared interrupt.

Renly, facing the door, looked up and saw Emma Fielding standing there. Her expression was a mix of confusion and a forced smile, as if unsure whether to interrupt. She caught Renly's eye, nodded, and raised her voice. "Sorry to interrupt, I need to borrow Renly for a moment."

The interview had been arranged by Emma herself, so if she came in person, it must have been urgent. Ned was mildly surprised. After a short pause, he responded, "No problem, no problem at all. We're fine here, don't worry about us." The conversation had started flowing smoothly, and with Renly temporarily out of the spotlight, the others had more space to talk.

Looking back, Ned gave Tom a playful nod. "Tom, what happened next?"

Tom paused, glancing at Renly with a skeptical look. Renly gave a reassuring nod, smiling, "I'll be right back." With that confirmation, Tom returned to his story.

Renly stood and, under the watchful gaze of the other actors, left the room. Behind him, the laughter continued, the conversation flowing naturally. As he reached the door, he closed it slightly but didn't latch it completely. He just needed to send a message and turned to Emma, his curiosity piqued. "What's going on?"

Before Emma could respond, a voice answered from behind her—it was Arthur. Alongside him stood Elf, both sharply dressed in formal dinner attire, exuding an aura of aloofness, as if nobles amongst commoners.

Emma cleared her throat, forcing a smile but betraying some hesitation in her eyes. "Renly, this is Arthur. He insisted on visiting you. He's your most loyal supporter, and I couldn't refuse."

Renly's lips curved into a slight smile, the sarcasm and amusement barely hidden. He didn't speak but let the irony linger in the air.

Back inside the room, Ned had sensed something. He turned his head sharply, catching a glimpse of the figures outside through the crack in the door. The shadows of others could just be made out in the dim hallway light.