Looking for a show which is high energy, visually stunning, and delivers some sensation vocals? Moulin Rouge can-can-can, and does-does-does, deliver on all of this, and more.

Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film Moulin Rouge, starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, was a huge commercial and critical success. The show follows Christian (Jamie Muscato), an American writer who travels to Paris, and falls in love with Satine (Melissa James), the star of the Moulin Rouge. Both the film and the stage adaptations are jukebox musicals – the marmite of the theatrical world. And this show takes it to a new level, with a whopping 75 songs included in the production.

The creative team have constructed a visually stunning show. Featuring a decadent set design by Derek McLane, which incorporates red velvet and masses of lights, transporting you directly to the Moulin Rouge in Paris, as soon as you enter the auditorium. The costumes by Catherine Zuber are elegant, sexy, and colourful, each piece is fully realised and cohesive. The lighting elevates the show throughout, there are some magnificent moments, the ‘Diamonds’ medley incorporates a sparkly set with a diamond in the centre and is a wonderful spectacle. This combination of set, costume, and lighting design creates a breathtakingly gorgeous display.

Now, Satine may be the star of the Moulin Rouge. But the star of this production is Jamie Muscato. Muscato displays impeccable vocals, with ‘Roxanne’ being a highlight of the show. He brings a great deal of personality to Christian, oozing charisma, charm and intertwining an endearing bashfulness in the role. Muscato steals the show whenever on stage, from goofy facial expressions to his incredible vocal range, he displays all, in what is quite an enduring role, physically and vocally. He is rarely offstage throughout the 2-hour 35 minute run time, and his energy never dissolves, showing not a single ounce of vocal fatigue.

Melissa James showcases some impressive vocals and her chemistry with Muscato is electric. Matt Rixon takes on the role of Harold Zidler, owner of the Moulin Rouge. Rixon delights with an eccentric, hilarious performance. The bohemian duo, Toulouse-Lautrec (Ian Carlyle) and Santiago (Elia Lo Tauro), prove an excellent comedic twosome, with impeccable timing, delivery, and physical comedy. Amy Thornton stuns in the role of Nini, strongly establishing herself as a triple threat.

Sonya Tayeh’s choreographing is sensational. With a variety of dance styles incorporated, the cast’s movements are strong, tight and this is a huge aspect of what makes the show wonderful.

Christian aims to write every love song the world has ever heard; I don’t know if he manages that, but this production definitely contains every love song the world has ever heard. As stated previously, this show includes a huge number of songs, not all of these are sung the whole way through, just one line is performed at times. I’m unsure if the musical needs quite so many songs, or quite so many mashups. Especially as some of the musical numbers weren’t especially well thought out, and a few felt misplaced – at times the songs elicited giggles in the audience, instead of the emotional response they were aiming for.

But one thing is definite, this is probably the most visually stunning production currently in the West End. You could say that Moulin Rouge is ‘The Sparkling Diamond’ of the West End. It’s a captivating, exquisite spectacular, and Jamie Muscato is a force to be reckoned with. This is a must-see show.

{🎟 AD: PR Invite – Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review}

2 Star Review 3 Star Review 4 Star Review 5 Star Review 2022 2023 2024 Adaptation Almeida Cabaret Camden Fringe Cast Announcement Christmas Comedy Dance Drag Edinburgh Fringe Edinburgh Fringe Interviews Fringe Immersive Interview Interviews Jukebox Musical LGBTQIA+ Lyric Hammersmith Manchester Musical News New Wimbledon Theatre North West Off West End Park Theatre Play Regional Production Review Revival Richmond Theatre Shakespeare Show Announcement Show Recommendations Soho Theatre Southwark Playhouse Touring Production VAULT Festival West End

• 
  GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR – REVIEW – MARYLEBONE THEATRE
  by Jenny Skuse
  A town swimming in corruption gets a message – a government inspector is on their way from London to assess the town. A disgraced son, living on credit at the local pub is causing the town to talk – is this well-spoken Londoner and mystery man, the government inspector? Best bribe him just in case! So ensues confusion and corruption as everyone is out for themselves. Government Inspector is Patrick Myles’ reimagining of Nikolai Gogol’s classic satire of power, hypocrisy and getting away with everything – the perfect play for an election year?  The gold-framed stage is such an invitation to … More GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR – REVIEW – MARYLEBONE THEATRE
• 
  ON ME – REVIEW – WATERSIDE ARTS
  by Jennifer Roberts
  On Me is a play by Caroline Lamb of Dangerous To Know Theatre Company. It is presented at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale before touring to Bolton Library, after its award-winning run at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in 2022. It is followed by a short post-show Q&A, with speakers from domestic violence charities working in Manchester and academics studying the psychology of abuse and abusers.  We are introduced to Shona (Leah Eddleston) and Christian (Alexi Papadopoulos), actors recreating domestic violence for a true crime documentary. As they get closer, the threads of fact and fiction begin to tangle,and the story gets a little bit too close for comfort.  I always find that plays shine … More ON ME – REVIEW – WATERSIDE ARTS
• 
  SWEAT – REVIEW – ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
  by Jennifer Roberts
  After being commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to write a play about the American Revolution, Lynn Nottage wrote SWEAT eerily close to the announcement of Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy. It is revived in Manchester by director Jade Lewis for the Royal Exchange Theatre.  Spanning 2000 and 2008, SWEAT follows a group of friends and their families in Reading, Pennsylvania as they grapple with the closure of the factory they all work at and the tensions that rise as a result of the turbulent economic times. The standout performances come from Abdul Sessay as Chris, on the cusp of freedom until he makes a … More SWEAT – REVIEW – ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
• 
  DAVID HOYLE: STILL GOT IT…? – REVIEW – AVIVA STUDIOS
  by Jennifer Roberts
  Still Got It is the culmination of David Hoyle’s three weekresidency at Aviva Studios, where friends old and new are brought together for a celebration of avant-garde performance art and old school drag. With guest performances from dance troupe the Glitterbomb Dancers and drag queen Veda Lady, Still Got It is a celebration of David Hoyle’s life, his work, and us – who still have it.  The Aviva Studios’ main stage boasts an impressive 1600-person capacity, the size of the stage at times proved to be a challenge for some performers, who are clearly more used to small stages. Hoyle’s own performance was by far the strongest part … More DAVID HOYLE: STILL GOT IT…? – REVIEW – AVIVA STUDIOS
• 
  PIPPIN IN CONCERT – REVIEW – THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE
  by Amy Rye
  Pippin premiered on Broadway in 1972 and in the West End the following year. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Roger O. Hirson, the musical tells the story of Pippin, heir to the throne, as he embarks on a quest to find himself. Now back in London for two nights only, in a concert production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, which celebrates the show’s 50th anniversary – with an all-star cast. There have been a lot of musical theatre concert productions recently, however this might just be the best one yet. Played with a full orchestra, and a full choir, this joyous score is brought to life … More PIPPIN IN CONCERT – REVIEW – THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE