The Greatest Showman #984 - Star-Making Cradle
"The Guardian" - 5 Stars:
"The greatest work of the 21st century! Relive the grandeur of Victor Hugo's era! Also, witness Renly Hall's top performance!"
"The Independent" - 5 Stars:
"Renly Hall, Renly Hall, Renly Hall! This hot young actor has once again proven his absolute strength; not just the youngest Oscar winner in history, he's so much more than that. Acting has truly become an art, and viewing has become a treat. No one should miss it."
"The Sun" - 5 Stars:
"The Queen's Theatre version is unsurpassed! It's true, but the Almeida Theatre version goes beyond the canon to create a great repertoire! The reason to watch this show: Renly Hall; two reasons to watch this show: one is enough."
"Screen" - 5 Stars:
"An epic play, a legendary actor, and the greatest work after the millennium."
"Daily Telegraph" - 5 Stars:
"As romantic as a sonnet, as grand as an opera, as dramatic as a storybook, as moving as a poem. Almeida's version of Les Miserables has awakened feelings and love for stage plays and even art. The soul of the whole play, Renly Hall, is possessed by Laurence Olivier!"
Five stars. Everywhere. The overwhelming praise continues to pour in from every corner. What happened to the critical nitpicking, the tough and harsh reviews? Where have the usual detractors gone? It seems that, overnight, any skepticism vanished. The only reasonable conclusion is that the play, Les Miserables at the Almeida Theatre, has truly conquered both critics and audiences alike.
It's not just the critics. After the premiere night, the 350 attendees couldn't wait to share their views on social media. Their posts were enthusiastic, impassioned, and often incoherent, a trend now common among the show's fans.
Audience Reactions:
"It's so exciting, so exciting! Ah, I'm losing my mind! How can it be so thrilling? Six hours really feels too short, why not sixty hours?!"
"Jesus! Christ! It makes me want to scream! Even viewers who know nothing about the original book or have no preference for drama, this doesn't affect the experience. The ups and downs of the story, the acting—it's all incredible. And how can the young master be so good-looking? Even with a beard and a burlap sack, he's too handsome! I'm in love!"
"Shocked. This is real shock! Only after watching this performance live did I truly understand what performance is. The shock hit me straight in the face, a direct explosion in my eyes. I cried so hard. At the end, I forgot my very existence. I'm speechless."
"I clapped for fifteen minutes, my hands numb, but it still didn't express my admiration and love. Is this what fame deserves?"
"Oh my God, the young master is so good-looking, I'm dying."
"This is the first time since Daniel Day-Lewis that I've admired an actor so much. Renly Hall's aura and presence are just unbelievable. His performance is indescribable. His eyes—full of stars and sea—just one look tells a whole story. I really admire him."
"If anyone still doubts the young master's Oscar win, they should come to the West End to watch Les Miserables. Renly will show you what absolute strength looks like in minutes. I can't wait to see it again!"
"Go buy a ticket! That's all I have to say—otherwise, you'll regret it!"
From Facebook to Twitter, Instagram, and even Yahoo communities, the discussion went viral. Only 350 people were able to attend the premiere, but within 24 hours, discussions had exceeded 5 million views across social media. For a Broadway or West End play, this level of engagement was unprecedented. Even other productions might not have cracked 500,000.
Audience Outside the Theater:
The line outside the Almeida Theatre stretched for hours as hopeful theatergoers waited to buy tickets for the show. Those who couldn't make it also joined the discussion online, contributing to the conversation. Reporters and celebrities flocked to the entrance, furthering the sensation that was sweeping the West End of London. This was a night to remember, a star-making night.
Aside from Renly Hall, other performers garnered attention, especially Tom Holland, who reprised his role as Enjolras and captivated the audience. Many of the younger, previously unknown actors made headlines in the press, attracting significant attention. The Almeida Theatre's Les Miserables had not only set off a wave of public acclaim but had become a cradle for stars.
Empire Magazine Review:
The most authoritative and professional magazine in the British entertainment industry, Empire, didn't miss the moment either. They quickly published their review of the play:
"John Codd has broken the shackles of classic theater for nearly three decades, boldly and successfully presenting the world Victor Hugo imagined. The young cast, with an average age of under 23, achieved something extraordinary, akin to the youth version of Hamlet."
They also lauded Renly Hall's performance, stating:
"Renly Hall plays Jean Valjean in a way that defies description. The impact he leaves is beyond words; his performance is a spectacle of raw power and emotion. He's a once-in-a-generation talent."
Ned Mullan's article summarized it all. Hall's opening performance left an indelible impression, proving his exceptional range and strong stage presence. With every move, every expression, Hall was simply mesmerizing.
"Lord, welcome to the world of Renly Hall."
Final Thoughts:
Empire's coverage was just the beginning. The play continued to generate rave reviews, with 14 critics offering their praise across various media outlets. The lowest rating was four stars, with a few quips, but even those offered accolades for John Codd's direction and Renly Hall's performance.
The buzz around Les Miserables spread like wildfire. For the first time in years, London's West End witnessed a production that had the city talking—and all eyes were on Renly Hall, who had secured his place in the history of theater.
As people reflected on the hype and the missed ticket sales, they wondered—was it too late to join the frenzy? The Almeida Theatre quickly announced the first week's tickets had sold out, but a fresh round of pre-sales would begin soon. Tickets for this phenomenon would be hotly contested.