The Greatest Showman #1282 - Magical Journey

"The winner for Best Actor in a Musical is... Renly Hall, 'Les Miserables'."

Through the amplification of the microphone, Matthew Warchus's voice rippled through the Royal Theatre, resonating like thunder, echoing in the ears of every audience member. History was being made.

To be precise, this was no accident. It could even be described as the fulfillment of every expectation.

After John Codd's production of Les Miserables premiered at the Almeida Theatre last year, Renly's performance received a wave of acclaim, spreading through London's West End in a tidal wave. In a field where strength is paramount, the young actor broke the barriers of age, embodying the tumultuous and grand life of Jean Valjean. He overcame the prejudice of reality and earned the admiration of industry insiders. It was all about the show, and it was indeed remarkable.

From last year to this year, Renly's exceptional strength was unparalleled, sweeping the globe with incredible momentum. Even Michael Ball, in the face of Renly's formidable presence, yielded gracefully. Other than his age, there was nothing that could stand in the way of Renly reaching the pinnacle of the Olivier Awards.

However, given Renly's youth, some hesitation was inevitable.

No matter how enthusiastic the praise, no matter how fervently he was pursued, and no matter how outstanding his talent, Renly was still only twenty-three years old. His career as an actor had only just begun. Even if he chose to retire from the stage and screen at forty, his artistic journey had barely started.

Performance, like other arts, places importance on talent. Achieving fame at a young age isn't a mere accident; it's a mark of greatness. However, what matters more is the process of maturation. The refining of one's craft over time, the accumulation of experience, and the depth of artistry gained through years of dedication often result in even greater richness. While young prodigies like Marlon Brando and Jodie Foster are celebrated, the legacies of Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep, built over time, stand as a testament to the power of experience.

But history is made through disruption and change. Miracles are born from creation and evolution.

Tonight, all predictions were realized!

At the age of twenty-three and 159 days, Renly Hall won his first Olivier Award. While it wasn't an EGOT, it was still an extraordinary achievement. Renly became the first actor in history to win an Olivier Award across theatre, music, film, and TV before turning 30!

On a global scale, Renly had carved out his place in history.

In the UK alone, Crazy Love won the British Academy Award, Les Miserables triumphed at the Olivier Awards, and both took top honors in film and theatre. Renly had solidified his place as the youngest actor ever to achieve this feat, regardless of gender.

Additionally, Don Quixote earned multiple accolades at the Brit Awards, including Best Male Vocalist and Best British Album, further affirming his musical prowess. Though Renly hadn't claimed an EGOT, his Grand Slam in the UK was undeniable.

At twenty-three, any of these accomplishments would be worth celebrating. Renly, however, had achieved them all—an unprecedented feat, perhaps even a miracle.

Most importantly, the London Drama Society had displayed unmatched courage, professionalism, and dedication, deserving the applause of every artist. This was a testament to their unwavering belief in Renly's talents.

While some may have objected, questioned, or criticized, no one could deny that the wheels of history were in motion, and they were witnessing the dawn of a new era.

Luke Treadaway won Best Actor in a Play. Tom Holland won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.

Now, Renly Hall had taken home Best Actor in a Musical. With this, the triumph of these three young actors symbolized that the West End had truly opened its doors to the next generation. It was another bold statement from the theatre industry.

John Codd stood first, offering a loud, heartfelt round of applause—a show of deep respect and admiration.

As the director of Les Miserables, John had always believed that Renly deserved this accolade. He was convinced that Renly was born for the stage, that his performances transcended the ordinary, and that without him, the world of theatre would lose its color.

Renly deserved it all.

John's standing ovation sparked a ripple effect, and within moments, every guest and audience member in the Royal Theatre was on their feet, applauding fervently. The deafening sound of applause reverberated, and the energy surged, raising the atmosphere to new heights. The theater trembled slightly with the force of the moment.

Even Will Young, Tom Chambers, and Michael Ball rose in unison.

For Renly had made history! And in doing so, he had won the admiration of all!

The crowd was filled with awe, and the applause continued, unbroken. This was the iconic "applause moment," amplified like never before. The raw energy, the collective joy, the surge of emotion—this was history in the making.

Tom Holland, still overcome with emotion, finally snapped back to reality. He stood, laughing and crying at once. Tears and smiles intertwined. He placed his trophy on the seat and clapped vigorously, casting tear-filled, admiring glances toward Renly.

Renly, in the midst of it all, took a step forward, climbing the steps toward Matthew Warchus.

Matthew, with trembling hands, offered Renly a warm hug, gently patting his back. "It's my honor," he said, his voice quivering with emotion.

As the presenter, Matthew had announced Renly's victory and now handed him the trophy personally—a gesture that had become a historic moment. This was truly an honor for both of them.

Renly smiled warmly. "Thank you. I'll remember this moment forever."

Matthew, smiling broadly, shared a laugh before stepping back. He gestured toward the stage, inviting Renly to speak.

Bowing his head, Renly's gaze fell upon the Olivier Award trophy—its intricate design, sculpted by Harry-Franchetti, depicting a king from the 1937 production of Henry V. The weight of the trophy was more than physical; it carried with it the legacy of Olivier and the long history of theatre.

The weight of the trophy pressed into Renly's palms, sending vibrations through his body. His heartbeat, synchronized with the rhythm of the moment, felt almost palpable. His mind flooded with memories of his time performing at the Almeida Theatre—of all the hard work, the emotional highs and lows, the joy, the pain, the exhaustion... Yet, it all coalesced into a profound sense of fulfillment on the stage.

After the grueling demands of Les Miserables, the exhaustion from Gravity, and the weight of Drunken Folk Ballad, Renly had faced a period of burnout. The passion he once felt seemed distant, like a dimly lit memory. But in this moment, holding the trophy, something stirred within him again.

His heart quickened, and the desire to perform, to give everything for the craft, was reignited.

In those early, fiery years, when his performances were marked by raw intensity and unrestrained emotion, the colors of his life had been vivid—bursting with red, yellow, green, and blue. And now, in this moment, as the blood surged within him again, he realized with clarity: he was born for the stage.

A performer. A dreamer. A madman for the art.

And with this realization, tears filled his eyes once more.