If you go to see Moulin Rouge, at the Piccadilly Theatre, you already know – before the show starts- that you will see a two hours-nonstop-entertainment spectacle.
Set in Paris, in 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, the show is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, that is going bankrupt. With the help of his two friends, Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago, who are attempting to create a play with songs in it, Christian will try to win Satine's love and save the venue.
Moulin Rouge has an incredible new cast: Melissa James (The Bodyguard UK Tour and Cats UK Tour) is Satine, Jamie Muscato (Heathers The Musical) is Christian, Matt Rixon (Hairspray UK Tour) is Harold Zidler and Ben Richards (The Bill and Emmerdale) is The Duke.
They join existing cast members including Ian Carlyle who takes over the role of Toulouse-Lautrec, Elia Lo Tauro as the “Latin Macho” Santiago and Amy Thornton who steps into the role of Nini.
Piccadilly Theatre has been completely transformed into a fin de siècle Parisian nightclub, and the design is magnificent: we are carried, with a triumph of colours, from the West End, straight to Pigalle, Paris.
The show is based on Baz Luhrmann's 2001 jukebox musical movie. But don't expect the same songs: the medley of pop hits, arranged by Justin Levine, keep the show fresh and relevant. Katy Perry's Firework, Sia's Chandelier, Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, Adele's Rolling in the Deep are all high energy numbers, effortlessly sung by the cast. But you will also find the classics of the movie: Your song, Come what May, Lady Marmalade, and more. Jamie Muscato is a standout performer with a smooth, perfect voice. Melissa James has impressive vocal power and a strong personality.
Everything is nothing less than spectacular in this show: the luxurious set by Dereck McLane. Justin Townsend's dazzling lights. Sonia Tayeh's impeccable choreography and the sumptuous and colourful costumes, designed by Catherine Zuber. A feast for the eyes. A celebratory outburst of colours and life.
Moulin Rouge is one of the best shows in the West End and - don't worry about it - will keep us company for a long time.
We have tickets from £30 and you can use our exclusive discount code LTR8 to get up to 8% off here.
Photo: Matt Crockett