Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Fans of Baz Lurman’s 2002 hit film, Moulin Rouge will not be disappointed with this extravagant adaption for the stage that captures its wild sprit rather than attempting a poor man’s imitation. Telling the story of singer/prostitute Satine who resists dying of consumption just long enough to star in her lover’s new production, it’s a love letter to the theatre and a realisation of the phrase ‘the show must go on!’ Having battled its way through Covid cancellations (including Broadway where it ultimately won 10 Tony Awards) Moulin Rouge, The Musical, feels like a production for our time, and doesn’t fail to ignite the joy and abandonment of the recently released.

Derek McLane’s design is ravishing. A huge elephant and the iconic windmill loom over the auditorium whilst the stage shifts seamlessly from shadowy Montmartre to glittering interiors. The Piccadilly Theatre itself has been transformed into a louche, red-lit underworld with sexy beats and languorous performers gazing out as we take our seat. It feels like an experience as much as a show with the packed crowd anticipating theatrical fireworks.

Nothing like your standard Juke-box musical, Moulin Rouge the musical is a mash-up musical, with witty segues and punchy arrangements linking songs, genres and periods to dazzling effect. Occasionally the song choices sound a bit Karaoke (Katy Perry & Adele) and drag us out of the narrative but for the most part they are uplifting and clever. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, actors rather than singers starred in the original film but here the casting seems to have been focussed on stunning vocalists with Liisi Lafontaine as Satine and Jamie Bogyo, her love-struck composer Christian. Although there are plenty of original moments, stand-out numbers from the film such as Roxane make the greatest impact on stage too, with a raw desperation from Bogyo as he bares his absinthe soaked soul.

Clive Carter as Harold Zidler, Simon Bailey, the leering Duke, Jason PennyCooke, Lautrec the ‘true artiste’ and Elia Lo Tauro as Santiago the tango King all bring depth and warmth to the show, whilst the powerful and generally seductive ensemble storm their way through a night of witty, raucous fun. Satine’s death doesn’t dampen the mood too much so prepare for proper evenings entertain that will leave you wishing you had a party to go to afterwards.