What do you get when you add together beautiful staging, an immersive experience, a stellar soundtrack and a cast who bring all of those things to life? The answer? Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge is (shamelessly!) a jukebox musical, based on the 2001 film directed by Baz Luhrmann. Set in Paris, it follows Christian - a young composer who falls in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
The musical premiered in 2018 in Boston before beginning performances on Broadway the following year. The production won ten of its fourteen Tony nominations and opened in the West End in 2021.
If there's one thing this show is renowned for, it's the spectacular surroundings the action takes place in. The creative team have all but transformed the space at the show's London home, the Picadilly Theatre into the Parisienne venue and the same can be said for the auditorium of the Hippodrome this evening.
Aside from a brightly lit, red and white spectacular on stage, the boxes were adorned with both a giant windmill and what looked to be a full size elephant's head, both of which quickly proved to be showstoppers in their own right as the crowd took their seats.
What was also show-stopping was the action on stage this evening in what can only be described as a world-class performance.
Moulin Rouge is very much a show which relies on its ensemble, with a number of high energy, fast paced and lengthy choreography pieces to contend with. Performed to a soundtrack which largely comprises mash-up style tracks, the pace and stamina required feels superhuman - but is also something the cast took in their stride.
Which brings me to the incredible performers on the stage this evening. Every single person should be commended for the part they played in an outstanding production.
Cameron Blakely grabbed the role of Harold Zidler with both hands and wouldn't let it go. In the most sublime piece of casting I've seen in a long time, Blakely embodies the part perfectly bringing a camp, extravagant and quirky stance to the character - but with a softer edge which gave a feeling of safety and security, no matter how much of a showman was 'out front'.
However, stealing the show this evening were Verity Thompson and Nate Landskroner playing Satine and Christian respectively.
Their performance this evening was nothing short of exceptional. Throwing their characterisation back to the 2001 film, there was an essence of Nicole and Ewan but with a fresh, independent slant.
What stood out was their seemingly effortless vocals with both showcasing the most perfect voices for their respective roles. Thompson in particular sounded like a Disney princess but with the strength and power of an opera star. However, what was most noticeable was their incredible chemistry on stage - switching in a heartbeat from new lovers to established romantics, their performance set the stage alight this evening.
Moulin Rouge plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 15th November 2025. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com.
