I should start this review by saying I am not always a fan of jukebox musicals and have been even less keen on shows based on films at times.  Walking into the Piccadilly Theatre, at least I did not have any expectations of Moulin Rouge, which is in fact both of those things.

I asked if photos were allowed at the bows, and was told no, “but you can take them now”. So out came the camera and I expected a couple of photos of the set. Then ensemble members appeared and started wandering around the opulent surroundings. This was scene setting on steroids; the set, the performers and the gorgeous hypnotic music made it feel like you were already in the Moulin Rouge before the show even began. This pre-show is such a fantastic way to start this experience. The fact you can take photos a huge bonus.

When the show starts it’s like an explosion of energy which engulfs you and this is there for the entire run time. All the elements from the film are there, but with more, so much more, the amount of different pieces of music packed into the score is incredible at over 70 songs, I believe.  The sets and choreography changing throughout was slick and showcased each scene to perfection.

The performances were flawless throughout the entire cast. We had Gavin Ryan playing Christian, Dean Read as Harold Zidler and Ross Chisari as Baby Doll. All three were fantastic. Completing the ensemble we also had swings Mark Samaras, Erin Bell, Grace Hawksworth and Tom Mather. I always enjoy seeing understudies and swings performing, their ability to play multiple roles never ceases to amaze me.

Highlights for me, well if I said the performers, the costumes, the music, the dancing… I enjoyed absolutely everything about it.

Gavin Ryan (Christian) and Natalie Kassanga as Satine played well opposite each other and did justice to “Come What May” with gorgeous vocals. Ben Richards played the Duke to perfection, the perfect villain really, incredible vocals and stage presence as a thoroughly unpleasant character.

Dex Lee as Toulouse-Lautrec and Ivan de Freitas as Santiago were brilliant and caught my eye whenever they were on the stage. Charlotte Gooch as Nini, what an incredible dancer and so very flexible, making it look effortless. I particularly enjoyed her performance with Ivan de Freitas during the "Backstage Romance" sequence in the second half, the dancing and music so powerful.

If you are after an in depth detailed story with multiple strands and plot points, perhaps this is not the show for you. But if you enjoy musicals for the sensory delight of seeing some incredible performers dancing, acting and singing to perfection than I can't recommend this show highly enough.

I would like to mention every single cast and crew member (I bet the people who help with costume and wig changes are busy during this show!), but I think I have failed to mention a lot of things due to the fact that the show is so high energy throughout. I’d need to see the production again to really process it all properly. 

Moulin Rouge is a feast for the senses, stunning in every way and I am so glad I did not miss seeing it in the West End. That hypnotic music from the pre-show and interval is going to be whirling around in my head for quite some time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• If you would like to see more of my photographs from this show, please do have a look at my Instagram.

  
  

• Customer service from front of house staff member Bethan was exceptional. My friend in particular appreciated this at the end of the show. If by any chance you see this, thank you.

  
  

• We had a pre show meal at a small but very pleasant Italian restaurant, La Pastaia, (63 Old Compton Street). It was surprisingly quiet but we really enjoyed the food. It's also about as close as you can get to this theatre without sitting in the foyer with a picnic.