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Before a word is uttered, Moulin Rouge! is a stunning assault for the senses.
Edinburgh’s Playhouse is sensationally transformed. Its vast auditorium now a dimly-lit smoky club, contrasted with the bright red neon title of this spectacle emblazoned on its stage.
Each of its vast boxes is adorned by decoration of mammoth proportions – one adorned by the iconic Parisian venue’s windmill and the other engulfed by a gigantic elephant.
The high-octane spectacle begins early, but the true magic begins when the curtain rises under the command of ringmaster Harold Zidler (Cameron Blakely).
The story, lifted from Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film of the same name, follows a love triangle that spans both sides of Paris’ social divide; a truly Royal aristocrat (James Bryers) and a bedraggled bohemian poet (Nate Landskroner).
There should be no surprises – the whole plot is outlined in The Pitch Song – but this show is so much more than that. Even then, the drama is perfectly pitched to keep its audience on edge until the curtain falls.
As Sparkling Diamond Satine, Verity Thompson dazzles – anchoring the show with delicious ease. She captures the audience in her unbelievable entrance and holds them throughout.
At its heart is a truly exceptional jukebox score – aggressively mashing a range of hits from T-Rex to Lorde. Its ingenious ability to keep its audience guessing what’s coming next feels a mischievous game.
Bursting onto the stage in a flurry of bright lights and high kicks, this modern day – er, 1900 – fairytale is overwhelming in its spectacle.
A sensory assault of big songs, brash costumes and sensational dance routines in its first Act- all performed by a faultless cast – truly is a match made in heaven.
Its second Act is a more muted affair. Such a sharp change in pace and drama showcases the true range of both its cast and production value.
Derek McLane’s immense set immerses the Moulin Rouge! audience and Peter Hylenski’s sound design envelops them.
Not a hair is out of place, not a note is out of tune and not a cue is missed in this breathtakingly tight production.
With theatre tickets now reaching eye-watering amounts, audiences are right to demand the very best. Moulin Rouge! exceeds every expectation.
Moulin Rouge! is the theatrical event of the year. Miss it at your peril. Book early so you can return!
Moulin Rouge! at Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 14th June 2025, then touring
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
