The Greatest Showman #1136 - Les Miserables

It was a freezing December in London, with icy winds cutting through the city streets. The sky was a blanket of dark gray clouds that stretched endlessly, blocking out the sun. Pedestrians hurried by, wrapped in gray, black, and blue coats, adding to the oppressive gloom that had settled over the city. Even the iconic red double-decker buses and telephone booths seemed to fade into the dreary backdrop of winter.

This winter, in particular, felt unbearable. The snow had yet to fall, and the cold was growing more biting with each passing day. The wet chill seeped into every corner, making it feel as though the season would never end, trapping everyone in its icy grip.

The city longed for snow. It seemed that the only thing that could offer any relief was a fresh snowfall, bringing with it the promise of brighter days ahead.

"Another cloudy day, another typical London winter," the voice of the radio host echoed warmly through the speakers, a small comfort amidst the cold. "For anyone who has just arrived in London today, welcome to the Republic of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This is our winter, as unchanging as ever, and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. I'm Daniel, and you're listening to the BBC Radio channel."

In the midst of the chill, Daniel's voice felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate—perfect for commuters and office workers alike. Even in the coffee shops, his familiar tone drifted lazily through the air, evoking nostalgia for a time long past, perhaps the 1980s, or even further back.

"Despite the frustrating workday, there's a bit of good news to share. 'Les Miserables'—not Almeida's version, but the Hollywood adaptation produced by Cameron McIntosh—is premiering today in Trafalgar Square," Daniel continued.

The radio waves spread across the city, reminding everyone of the highly anticipated world premiere of the film version of Les Miserables—an event that had been the talk of the town for weeks.

"'Les Miserables' has always been one of the most beloved productions in the West End. Remove the 'one of' from that statement, and I'm sure many would agree. The show has been especially popular this year. It's going to be the year of Les Miserables."

"Earlier this year, John Codd collaborated with Almeida Theatre to revamp Les Miserables, rediscovering the grandeur of Victor Hugo's original work while infusing it with youthful energy, thanks to a talented cast of young actors. The revival received widespread praise, both from critics and audiences."

"And, as if that weren't enough, the Hollywood adaptation has been in the works alongside the stage revival. Cameron McIntosh teamed up with director Tom Hooper to ensure an authentic cinematic experience. The success of the stage version only heightened anticipation for the film, which has generated considerable buzz."

"Now, the film's world premiere is set to take place in Trafalgar Square. This is certainly a momentous occasion, a golden opportunity for Les Miserables."

Daniel's voice held a hint of curiosity. "Personally, I'm most interested in whether Renly Hall will be at Trafalgar Square today. From what I hear, Renly was nearly cast in the film version during the audition phase."

The excitement for the Les Miserables film was palpable. Universal Pictures had spared no expense on the production, with a budget of $61 million—a significant amount for a musical. For comparison, Chicago, which won Best Picture at the Oscars that year, had a budget of $45 million, while the star-studded Nine had an $80 million budget.

The film's production team was a veritable who's-who of the industry: director Tom Hooper, who won an Oscar for The King's Speech, collaborated with producer Cameron McIntosh, known for his success in theater. In addition, the team included Eric Fellner, a renowned British producer with Oscars for Love Actually and Elizabeth under his belt.

With such a powerhouse behind the project, there was little doubt that Les Miserables would be a strong contender during awards season.

When Universal Pictures officially confirmed the film's premiere in London on December 5, excitement only grew. The decision to kick off the film's global release in the UK was strategic, ensuring strong support from the local market. Thanks to McIntosh's connections, the film would undoubtedly garner widespread enthusiasm, paving the way for its North American release later on.

It was clear that London was the perfect place for the premiere. The city had a deep connection to the play, with Les Miserables having been performed at the Queen's Theatre and Almeida Theatre for decades. The audience in London knew the show well and had supported it for years.

Despite the winter's chill, more than 2,000 fans gathered in Trafalgar Square, braving the cold to support the premiere. The excitement was contagious, and for the moment, it was as though the entire city was united in its celebration of Les Miserables. The premiere became a shining beacon of light in a city usually shrouded in gloom.

The event drew the attention of over 400 reporters, eager to capture every moment. It wasn't surprising—Les Miserables was a cultural phenomenon, and the premiere was a hot topic. The media buzz was intense, and the reporters gathered in Trafalgar Square, bundled up against the cold, ready to get firsthand coverage of the event.

As Daniel had predicted, Renly Hall's name once again stole the spotlight. The question on everyone's mind was whether Renly would be present at the premiere.

Hugh Jackman, already on the red carpet, was met with a barrage of questions from reporters.

"Hugh, there were rumors that Renly was considered for the role of Jean Valjean during the audition process. Cameron was reportedly impressed by his performance. Is that true?"

Hugh, ever poised, smiled and nodded. "Yes, it's true. Renly is an exceptional actor. He definitely has the talent to play Jean Valjean. In fact, I've seen his version of the character twice—once on the West End, and once on Broadway. I respect and admire his work. He's inspired me in many ways."

The crowd chuckled at Hugh's humility. "I realized I had to up my game after watching Renly," Hugh continued, his voice warm with sincerity. "There's no competition in acting—just different interpretations. But personally, I admire Renly's version. It's a real pleasure to watch him perform."

Hugh paused before adding with a grin, "Of course, if I had to choose, I'd pick Renly's version. But if I choose myself, well, let's just say that wouldn't look good on screen!" The reporters laughed, enjoying the light-hearted moment.

The press, eager for more, pressed on with their questions. "Hugh, do you think Renly will be at the premiere today? He's in Surrey, only 30 minutes away from London."

Hugh's face brightened. "Can we send him an invitation? I'd love for Renly to join us. It would be great to sit down and talk about our respective interpretations of the character. I think it would be a fascinating conversation."

The reporters, though slightly disappointed by the lack of a scoop, couldn't help but admire Hugh's graciousness. It was clear that, despite the competitive nature of the industry, there was mutual respect between these two talented actors.