Moulin Rouge | Piccadilly Theatre

Moulin Rouge, which is based on the 2001 movie directed by Baz Luhrman, has long been thrilling audiences with its opulent décor and flashy costumes. The show follows idealistic song-writer Christian and the star Satine, as their worlds collide in a story full of passion, forbidden love, and larger-than-life characters.

From the first step into the auditorium, one is welcomed by Derek Lane's cabaret-style ambiance with a red and gold dominated colour scheme. The stage features large heart-shaped arches completed by a large neon red sign on which one can read the name of the show. The décor continues deep within the auditorium as the audience is treated to a large red windmill – a significant part of the authentic Moulin Rouge in the heart of Montmartre – and an elephant overlooking the audience, as if to foreshadow its continuous involvement within the story itself.

With an initial look as entrancing as this, the show promises nothing less than decadence and glamour, and whilst this is in part true, there are still areas of the material which leave something to be desired.

As previously stated, this show is based on the film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, a fan-favourite movie musical of the 2000s. The movie is chock-full of well- known songs such as Elton John’s Your Song and Madonna’s iconic Material Girl, and the show follows the same recipe, arguably establishing itself as a jukebox musical. Whilst this approach is effective at times – most notably in Act 2’s opening number Backstage Romance, which fuses songs like Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance and Britney Spears’ Toxic - there are moments where the song choices distort what should be a deeply emotional scene, into something which leaves the audience feeling somewhat uneasy.

This, however, did not distract much from the electric choreography (Sonya Tayeh) and the overall design of the production. The lighting design (Justin Townsend) in this show is nothing short of masterful, effectively panning from the light inside of the Moulin Rouge to the dark and bohemian aesthetic of the Parisian streets in mere seconds. Working in perfect harmony with the show’s scenic design, the transitions felt so flawless and effortless that the team may as well have worked on a film. All of this, however, may not have been so well executed if it wasn’t for the work of the backstage crew. The creative team of Moulin Rouge have created a visual masterpiece, leaving no room to wonder why this show is such a success.

Of course, for such a bold vision, the production needs an equally bold cast to bring it to life.

Led by Dom Simpson and Natalie Kassanga in the roles of Christian and Satine, the performances delivered by this cast were nothing short of stupendous. Simpson’s portrayal of Christian was as daring as it was charming, with killer vocals and a subtle innocence to the real danger laced within the storyline. Opposite Simpson, Kassanga’s Satine delivers a performance that captures both the character’s fierce spirit and the poignant acceptance of her fate.

The standout performances, however, were delivered by the show’s supporting characters. Ross Chisari and Dex Lee played the roles of Santiago and Toulouse-Lautrec, respectively, who worked as Christian’s best friends and allies. The two characters served as the occasional comedic relief within the tense nature of the show, and their chemistry on stage was just perfect. Chisari’s performance was simply mesmerising; from the first step or the first note, they instantly commanded the audience’s attention – all the more impressive considering they understudy the role. The standout moment in their performance was without a doubt the opening sequence to Backstage Romance, which featured a tango- inspired duo and the fierce quality of Latin-style vocals and clearly demonstrated the performer’s natural ability to tackle such a difficult track.

Overall, Moulin Rouge is a feast for the senses, blending opulent design, dynamic choreography, and powerhouse performances into a spectacle that dazzles as much as it entertains. While some song choices occasionally hinder the emotion of the story, the production’s sheer energy and artistry ensure it remains an unforgettable night at the theatre.

Moulin Rouge is currently running at the Piccadilly Theatre until February 2026.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Marc Brenner and Matt Crockett