There were smiles all round as Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway attended the world premiere of Les Miserables on Wednesday evening. Both actors star in the film adaptation of the classic musical, which documents the struggle of the proletariat in 19th-century France.
Handsome Hugh had his leading lady in stitches, and although newlywed Anne – stunning in a cream Givenchy gown – is obviously smitten with husband Adam Schulman, she was clearly enjoying her hunky co-star's company. Amanda Seyfried, who plays iconic character Cosette, also looked charmed by Hugh. Speaking at the glittering world premiere in London, Ms Hathaway told reporters that despite losing almost two stone and having her long hair cropped to play tragic factory worker Fantine, the role was her "dream" job. "It's just the sort of job you feel you should give your pay cheque back at the end of the week, it was such a dream and I can't believe I'm the girl that got to play Fantine." Asked if she would have gone beyond the drastic lengths of cutting her brunette locks and slimming down to play her emaciated character, Anne added: "I didn't have to pull out my teeth, but no one asked, so yes, I would do anything."
Anne's co-star Hugh was equally enthusiastic about the project. The towering Australian – who plays hero Jean Valjean – described London as the perfect place for the film's premiere, calling it "the spiritual home of the musical". He said: "It's the most French story ever written, and I guess this is where it really took life. It's very exciting and the crowds have been great and it never grows old this stuff." Acknowledging the difference between his past experience in musical theatre and the film making process, Hugh added: "Obviously with the camera it's a different audience; the camera's very close and it's a lot more intimate. "I think the discipline of having done eight shows a week many times for a long period of time really stood me in good stead. It was a very demanding shoot."
