After more than four years in the West End, Moulin Rouge! The Musical still dazzles with its mix of glamour, romance and pure spectacle. It's loud, bold, and completely unapologetic about wanting to sweep the audience off its feet — and it succeeds.
Based on Baz Luhrmann's film, the story follows Christian (Dom Simpson), an idealistic young writer who falls hopelessly in love with Satine (Natalie Kassanga), the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge. Their love affair is complicated by the club's owner Harold Zidler (Craig Ryder), who is desperate to save the cabaret, and by the possessive Duke of Monroth (Ben Richards), who sees Satine as his prize. Around them, the bohemian artists of Paris — including Toulouse-Lautrec (Dex Lee) and the hot-blooded dancer Santiago — bring colour, humour and energy.
The show's biggest draw is still its score: a mash-up of more than 70 pop songs, stitched together in surprising and exciting ways. From Beyoncé to Elton John, the music is instantly recognisable, yet feels fresh in this setting. Combined with eye-popping design — red lights, sequins, and feathers everywhere — it's a feast for the senses.
The cast are key to keeping it all alive. Natalie Kassanga brings both star power and tenderness to Satine, balancing glamour with vulnerability. Dom Simpson makes Christian a likeable dreamer, with strong vocals that anchor the love story. Craig Ryder is a flamboyant and commanding Zidler, while Ben Richards plays the Duke with just the right mix of charm and menace. Dex Lee adds warmth and wit as Toulouse-Lautrec.
Ross Chisari's Santiago is full of humour, physicality and energy; he lifts every scene he's in and wins the audience over with ease - a performance that adds spark and fun without ever stealing focus from the central love story. An Australian by origin, Ross delivers a Santiago that fits seamlessly into the world of Moulin Rouge and feels right at home on the West End stage.
Of course, the plot is fairly predictable, and the emotions sometimes stay at the surface. But this is not a show that trades in subtlety — it's about big feelings, big songs and big spectacle.
Moulin Rouge! remains one of the most enjoyable musicals in town: glittering, high-octane, and impossible not to love.
It runs until 23 May. Tickets: here.
Photos: Matthew Crockett