REVIEW - MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL | PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER | 16/09/2025

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL – A Confetti-Filled Whirlwind at the Palace Theatre Manchester

TheatreFollowing smash-hit runs on Broadway and in London’s West End, Moulin Rouge! The Musical has finally arrived at Manchester’s Palace Theatre as part of its first World Tour. Adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film, the stage show cranks up the decadence and dives headfirst into a world of love, hedonism, and excess. With Tony Award-winning direction, dazzling choreography, and over 70 chart-topping hits woven into its jukebox score, this is a production that promises to overwhelm the senses – and it certainly delivers.

Set in 1899 Paris, we follow Christian, a young American songwriter who arrives in Montmartre full of hope and idealism. He quickly falls under the spell of Satine, the sparkling diamond of the Moulin Rouge, and the pair embark on a dangerous romance, hidden behind the façade of a new bohemian production. Standing in their way is the wealthy Duke de Monroth, whose money is keeping the cabaret’s doors open – but at the cost of Satine’s freedom.

The romance at the heart of the show sparks almost instantly – after a single five-minute encounter, Christian and Satine are declaring themselves hopelessly in love. It feels less like a slow-burn passion and more like a head-spinning rush, swept up in the same heightened intensity as the music, costumes, and staging. Whether you buy into their love story or not, it certainly matches the show’s over-the-top, all-or-nothing style.

This is a production that dazzles before a single note is sung. From the moment you enter the theatre, you’re immersed in velvety reds, glittering lights, and iconic imagery – a whirling windmill, a towering elephant, and a glowing 3D heart that pulls you straight into the world of Montmartre. Derek McLane’s set design and Justin Townsend’s lighting combine to create a feast for the senses, with pyrotechnics, glitter showers, and heart-stopping scene changes that keep the energy soaring. Catherine Zuber’s costumes sparkle with over 30,000 crystals, from corsets and suspenders to shimmering gowns, each piece more breathtaking than the last.

The soundtrack is a tour de force. Familiar numbers from the film such as Your Song and Come What May are reimagined, while newer hits like Bad Romance and Shut Up and Dance make the score feel fresh and current. At times, it feels like the creative team are determined to cram in as many songs as possible, but even when the mash-ups come thick and fast, the sheer joy of recognition keeps the audience buzzing. Sonya Tayeh’s choreography bursts with raw energy – whether it’s fiery tangos, explosive can-cans, or tender duets, the movement electrifies the stage.

The cast rise magnificently to the challenge of matching the production’s extravagance. Verity Thompson is outstanding as Satine, her powerhouse vocals soaring across the auditorium while capturing the fragility beneath the sparkling diamond. Josh Rose, stepping in as Christian, brings warmth and charm to the role, his voice shining brightest in a spine-tingling Roxanne.

Cameron Blakely is magnetic as Harold Zidler, balancing cheeky charm with heartfelt sincerity, while James Bryers gives the Duke a sinister swagger that makes him deliciously watchable. Kurt Kansley (Toulouse-Lautrec) and Rodrigo Negrini (Santiago) bring humour, passion, and vibrant chemistry to their bohemian brotherhood. Together, the ensemble fills the stage with fire and flair, ensuring no moment ever feels static.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a glittering spectacle – a feast for the eyes and ears that sweeps you into a world of indulgence, romance, and high drama. While the whirlwind romance at its centre feels rushed, and the jukebox score occasionally feels like a musical overload, the sheer scale of the production, the brilliance of the cast, and the thunderous energy of its music more than make up for it. This is theatre at its most extravagant: bold, brash, and utterly breathtaking.

A show that will leave you breathless, bedazzled, and covered in confetti. Manchester, you are not ready for this “Spectacular, Spectacular”!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 4th October 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Matt Crockett