The Greatest Showman - Sudden Trip

When Renly won the Oscar for Best Actor, a wave of doubt and rebuttal quietly spread within the industry. This wasn't a personal attack against Renly, but rather a challenge to the longstanding norms and conventions of an industry that had been around for over a century. People questioned:

Is this really appropriate?Is this truly fair to other veteran actors?Is this the pinnacle of acting?Does this threaten the established balance within the industry?Is this in line with industry standards and historical trends?

However, after Oliver's Best Actor win in a musical, the atmosphere shifted. Renly's victory sparked a wave of praise within the industry. As The New Yorker described it, the "Master Effect" marked the beginning of a new era, with Renly representing the next generation of actors.

Doubts and criticisms persisted, of course. Just as there is always a struggle between reformers and traditionalists, these conflicts are part of every society, in every era. But one thing became undeniable: Renly's meteoric rise could not be stopped.

From television to film, from music to theater, Renly's achievements were not merely marked by trophies—he had earned them through dedication, reputation, and the image crafted through years of hard work. Behind every performance was Renly's perseverance and resolve.

Renly's rise had been questioned early on. From rumors of "the hype door" to criticisms of his professional image (such as the "cancer-fighting me" controversy), and even attacks on his personal character (such as gossip involving Chris Hemsworth and Vin Diesel), skeptics abounded. But time has a way of revealing the truth.

Controversy may follow him, but as Renly himself said, one fact remains irrefutable: he is an actor.

The rarity of an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) is unmatched. However, what's even rarer and more significant than EGOT itself is the recognition Renly has garnered from the industry and the audience. His excellence as an actor is widely acknowledged, making his eventual EGOT almost inevitable, even if it wasn't secured at this time.

The Olivier Awards were not typically a major international focus, but this time, all eyes were on them. The reports covered everything: EGOT aspirations, the historical moment for Les Misérables, the roles played by Tom Holland and Luke Treadaway, the anniversary celebrations, and of course, Renly's involvement. The buzz around the awards was almost comparable to that of the Oscars or the Golden Globes.

Les Misérables had introduced countless "firsts." The familiarity of the play—widely known from novels and films—combined with Renly's star power, brought a new wave of attention to the West End and Broadway. The play had opened a door for a new generation of theatergoers, and its future impact remained to be seen.

Media outlets, both print and online, soon influenced the TV networks, with BBC TV reaching out to Renly for a talk-show appearance. Their invitation wasn't part of a formal agenda but presented an opportunity to promote Les Misérables' anniversary and draw more attention to the West End.

While Renly had made several appearances on American talk shows like The Tonight Show and The Ellen Show, this would be his first time on a British talk show. British talk shows, known for their bolder humor and more adventurous atmosphere, required a level of sharp wit and self-deprecation. Guests needed to embrace the banter or risk looking out of place.

The BBC's invitation came after careful deliberation, led by Emma Fielding, manager of the Almeida Theater. She saw this as a great opportunity to promote the anniversary of Les Misérables and broaden the reach of West End theater. After securing support from the London Drama Association, Emma approached Andy Rogers to get approval, followed by confirmation from Renly.

Renly's decision to participate was swift. He recognized the broader significance of this appearance for the theater industry and agreed to cooperate with the plan.

In less than forty-eight hours, Renly had signed on for the show. BBC chose The Graham Norton Show as the platform for his British TV debut, an important opportunity to promote the West End and its new wave of theatergoers.

The Graham Norton Show, a talk show that debuted in 2007, had already established itself as one of the UK's most popular programs. Hosted by Irish comedian Graham Norton, the show combined humor, celebrity gossip, and a modern, approachable style. Its success among the younger audience made it a must-watch, drawing both top-tier talent and casual viewers alike.

As the show's first guest of the 14th season, Renly's appearance was both a significant honor and a challenge, marking a milestone for both him and the theater industry. The collaboration between Renly and The Graham Norton Show was bound to create waves and further solidify his position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.