Moulin Rouge
Extravagant, dazzling and spectacular are just some of the words I can use to describe my trip to see Moulin Rouge as it makes a stop at Birmingham Hippodrome until the 15th November 2025. For any fan of the 2001 film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, this show is must-see. It’s quite literally packed to the rafters with an incredible mash-up of over 70 songs, meaning this show is hitting all the right notes and with such a talented cast it’s no surprise that it’s nearly a sell out!.
Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, it follows Christian (Nate Landskroner), a young idealist and writer, who falls hopelessly in love with Satine (Verity Thompson), the star performer and courtesan of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub. As the two navigate a secret and forbidden romance, their love is threatened by the demands of the club’s owner and the possessive Duke (James Bryers) who funds its survival.
At the helm of the Moulin Rouge is Harold Zidler played quite magnificently by Cameron Blakely who provides every inch a show stopping performance. Every moment on stage is full of flair and talent, putting Zidler front and centre in every scene. Verity Thompson as Satine is pure perfection in this role. Vocals that quite literally gave me goosebumps, with plenty of emotion shown throughout creating a beautiful and dazzling character who was mesmerising to watch. The connection between Thompson and Nate Landskroner as Christian was palpable and completely believable. Landskroner also provided the most incredible vocals especially during ‘Roxanne’, a firm favourite amongst the smorgasbord of songs included in this show.
The opening number featuring Kahlia Davis as Nini, Summer Priest as Arabia, Scott Sutcliffe as Baby Doll and Ellie Jane Grant as La Chocolat oozed sex appeal and sets the scene early on for the story that unfolds. The visuals at this point are outstanding thanks to Scenic Designer Derek McLane, Costume Designer Catherine Zuber and Lighting Designer Justin Townsend. All of these departments come together to immerse you in the world of the Moulin Rouge, complete with spinning windmill and giant elephant situated in each of the boxes either side of the stage. With a whirl of red lights and electric energy that never wanes, the whole show lifts you into this legendary Cabaret venue perched at the foot of Montmartre in Paris.
Bursting with chart-topping hits reimagined through lavish orchestration and choreography, it’s a sensory feast—part romance, part rock concert, and entirely theatrical indulgence. Beneath the glittering spectacle, though, lies a sincere and moving story about love, art, and the cost of chasing beauty in a world driven by desire and ambition. Choreographer Sonya Tayeh has instilled that traditional feel of the world of Can Can dancers, but also combined modern dance that works well to showcase the very talented ensemble cast who work full out in every scene they feature in.
Love, music, and spectacle collide in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. A breath-taking show that will leave your heart racing and your spirits soaring.
This show was reviewed on the 16th October 2025 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 15th November 2025. Tickets available here: Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Matt Crockett
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