An ever-present example of excessive glitz, grandeur and glory on the West End since 2022, one of London’s most glamorous theatre shows is ready to set the world on fire with its electrifying performances in 2025. The musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s beloved Moulin Rouge! embarks on its first-ever world tour – including a stop at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Set in Paris, 1899, Moulin Rouge! indulges a world of beauty and extravagance full of bohemians, aristocrats, and reprobates. The story follows a lovesick American writer, Christian, and the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, Satine. With his friends – the artist Toulouse-Lautrec and Paris’ greatest tango dancer, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular to save the Moulin Rouge and win Satine’s heart.
But let’s face it, it’s not really about the plot. On top of the dazzling decor and costumes, you probably best remember Moulin Rouge! for its cabaret renditions of pop music classics. From ‘Your Song’ and ‘Like A Virgin’ to the rap medley/mash-up of ‘Lady Marmalade’, ‘Because We Can’ and ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, the soundtrack is iconic, to say the least.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which won Best Musical at the 74th Tony Awards in 2020, only adds to this incredible celebration of music. From Offenbach to Lady Gaga, the stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie, as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago. So expect something special and different from the movie!
Where can I see Moulin Rouge! The Musical in the UK?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical kicked off its first world tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse on April 22 (until June 14). It will, however, soon head to Bristol Hippodrome (June 26 – August 9), Palace Theatre in Manchester (August 20 – October 4), and Birmingham Hippodrome (October 15 – November 15).
The cast includes Verity Thompson as Satine, Nate Landskroner as Christian, Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler, Kurt Kansley as Toulouse-Lautrec, German Santiago as Santiago, James Bryers as The Duke, Kahlia Davis as Nini, Summer Priest as Arabia, Scott Sutcliffe as Baby Doll, Ellie Jane Grant as La Chocolat and Patrice Tipoki as Alternate Satine.
Secret Birmingham even got the chance to experience the musical ourselves recently, embarking on a night of forbidden love, cabaret and the epitome of artistic expression. And one of the most eye-catching aspects of the show is the costumes by Catherine Zuber, accompanied by clever lighting by Justin Townsend and seamless scene transitions, where Derek McLane is the mastermind behind the sets.
While it’s not a carbon copy of the original film, ‘Moulin Rouge’ the musical promises a night of theatrical artistry at its best, showcasing the evident hard work of everyone involved.
To get your tickets head head here.