High kicks, deep squats, gorgeous spectacle and roof-raising vocals are served on a platter of pop tunes at Moulin Rouge! The Musical** in London’s West End. Set deep in the bosom of Montmartre — the bohemian centre of Paris — during the era of corsets and courtesans, this lavish production blends historic character with modern attitude.
Even before the action begins, as you enter the beautiful Piccadilly Theatre hall, you’re met with a scene so colourful that it’s difficult to know which direction to look. From the giant elephant sculpture hanging from the balcony to the glowing Moulin Rouge sign, this is a show determined to razzle-dazzle you from start to finish. The opening number is the super sexy Lady Marmalade and I loved seeing the range of body shapes strutting their stuff to the catchy ‘mocha chocolata yaya’ lyrics. It sets the tone for a joyfully inclusive evening where every body (and identity) is not only welcome but celebrated — with frills and hot pants to match!
So what’s it actually about? If you haven’t seen the movie (I hadn’t), you’re probably aware there’s a love story at its heart. In Baz Lurhmann’s cult classic, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are in the title roles. Here, we see Natalie Kassanga as courtesan/showgirl Satine and Dom Simpson as composer Christian. New to town, Christian meets fellow bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago and they decide to pitch a new musical to the Moulin Rouge. Unbeknownst to them, the famous home of cabaret and the can can is under threat of going bust. Owner Harold Zidler has invited his ‘sparkling diamond’ Satine to meet with the Duke, a wealthy benefactor who might just be able to save their venue.
After a case of mistaken identity, Christian finds himself in Satine’s private chamber and the sparks are instant. Cue flirty ditties and love ballads although of course Satine cannot be with penniless Christian. She needs to save her charms for the Duke who is not only rich but jealous and dangerous. Unable to resist, Satine and Christian begin a clandestine affair. But it turns out Satine is keeping a secret that will break everybody’s heart…
For those familiar with the movie soundtrack, you might be surprised to hear new music as this production features a host of updated songs. The tunes blend seamlessly into each other and they’re cleverly worked to suit the drama unfolding on stage. My friend Gonca and I were foot tapping, finger clicking and shoulder bopping to hits by Rihanna, Rolling Stones, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and more.
Moulin Rouge creates an effervescent atmosphere and the cast appears to be having a blast, whether dangling from the ceiling in aerial silks or shaking their money-makers in tightly choreographed routines. The stunning Natalie Kassanga is a standout as Satine and I appreciated the effortless quality of her voice as well as Dom Simpson’s poignant vocals. Special mention to Dex Lee (Toulouse-Lautrec) for his moving solo, and to Charlotte Cooch (Nini) and Ivan de Freitas (Santiago) for their tango-teasing scene. Smoking hot.
I wasn’t expecting the show to be so emotional or for the love story to touch me to the point of tears. Gonca and I were both crying at the end and you could hear lots of sniffling around the auditorium. But we were on our feet, clapping, dancing and whooping for the final ovation and we sailed out of the theatre on a high. A thrilling evening of theatre that captured the revolutionary spirit of ‘truth, beauty, freedom and love’ — something we need more of in these times.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing at Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY (Piccadilly Circus tube). Suitable for ages 12+ (parental discretion advised, under 5s not admitted). Show times: 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat matinees); tickets from £25 (available through May 2025)
**free press tickets compliments of Official London Theatre and Moulin Rouge! The Musical
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