Last night I was treated to an explosion of decadent, dazzling magic, watching Moulin Rouge at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. I don’t think there is anything quite like Moulin Rouge, and I went in blind. For that, I am ever thankful and seeing this epic extravaganza for the first time was truly mindblowing. I now wonder how I managed to get this far through life without having seen the movie or show. But some things are better saved and savoured, I put Moulin Rouge in that category.
What You Will Find Here
What Is Moulin Rouge About
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film. Moulin Rouge the show first premiered in Boston in 2018 before transferring to Broadway in 2019, where it became a huge hit and went on to win many Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The West End production opened in London in 2021, followed by touring productions across the UK, US, Australia, and beyond.
Set in Paris in 1899, the story follows Christian, a young writer who falls in love with Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, while the club itself struggles to survive. The musical’s extraordinary jukebox score blends more than 70 pop songs, from Elton John and Madonna to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, into inventive mashups that feel both nostalgic and modern.
My Review of Moulin Rouge
As the curtain rose, the stage exploded, and it never stopped, one wow moment after the next. You can’t help but fall in love with Christian, played to perfection by Josh Rose, and the chemistry with Satine, the beautiful and uber-talented Verity Thompson.
It feels almost like I need to mention every cast member; they are all phenomenal. But the cast is huge, and it would result in a glorious list of some of the most talented performers I have seen. I question if there is any number they can’t perform to perfection. And I barely breathed throughout the Argentine tango and had butterflies during Come What May.
The stage is my favourite stage set ever. The creative team behind the scenes is pure genius; it wasn’t a stage, it was an immersive experience. The lighting, staging, and costumes were all perfect. The way some of the greatest music of our time is woven in, that has you franticaly trying to work out where it origionates, its like you know it but it also feels at home here.
Moulin Rouge is full of emotions, I laughed, cried and cheered, and today still can’t quite believe the magic. I’m glad I didn’t know the story, as seeing Moulin Rouge for the first time was one of those moments you never forget; it blew me away.
Where Can I See Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is showing at the Palace Theatre Manchester Wed 20 Aug – Sat 4 Oct 2025 tickets from £40.00 plus booking fee and then at….
- Birmingham Hippodrome,15 October – 15 November 2025
- Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, 20 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
- Theatre 11 Zürich, 21 January 2026 – 01 March 2026
Please note, I was gifted the tickets in exchange for an honest review. And you can’t argue with a hard life lesson, the incredible talent that gets you right in the heart. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre.
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