Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, Piccadilly Theatre - Jan 2023
Provocative patrons. Capricious lighting. Sultry atmosphere, and dancing to make even the steadiest pulse quick, there’s only one place you could be in the West End. You’re at the Moulin Rouge!
Set in 1890’s Paris, this jukebox musical follows a young American song writer Christian (Jamie Muscato). We see the young idealist getting swept up in the alluring tide of the bohemian revolution, the current of which washes him straight into the city’s biggest night “The Moulin Rouge” where he instantly falls in love with cabaret star and courtesan Satine (Melissa James), who is also the subject of desire of a dangerous Duke (Ben Richards).
What unfolds is a riptide of romance, conflict and heartache, it’s hard to look away, and take it from us, you won’t want to.
This production is full of delights, thanks to the nuanced and considered direction from Alex Timbers and the unparalleled unrelenting choreography from Sonya Tayeh. You could watch this show ten times and still miss some cracking moments. We also absolutely adore the bright and detailed costume design from Catherine Zuber and larger than life set, designed by Derek Mclane, who has absolutely managed to encapsulate nostalgia from the film.
So how about our bohemians? Jamie Muscato is the perfect Christian, evolving from a love sick puppy to a desperate, downhearted soul. The second he walks on stage and smiles at the audience (as he has done in shows before), we are in the palm of his hand. His vocals are awe inspiring and he proves without a shadow of a doubt that he is the Christian this show wants and needs.
Melissa James is a revelation as Satine, bringing the emotional weight and flawless grace that this role needs. From steeling herself at the end of ‘Firework’ to those hair raising moments she takes ownership of herself and her emotions, we were absolutely entranced.
Ben Richards is satisfyingly unlikeable as the deplorable duke, though we really do wish the character received more of a comeuppance at the end.
Nathaniel Morrison as Toulouse-Laureen and Elia Lo Tauro as Santiago are perfectly cast as the other two points to Christian’s bohemian triangle of friendship.
It goes without saying that what makes this show shine is the super talented ensemble and how well they work together. From the moment you walk into the theatre, they set the stage for this juggernaut of a production and keep your jaw dropping throughout. A special shout-out needs to be made to ensemble member Michael Afemaré who is an absolute standout, giving every fibre of his body to the production from head to toe and is a delight to watch.
This will, in time, undoubtably be a five star show once the cast have had a little more time to tighten up the odd moment and find the fluidity we know that this show can have. The story alone has the power to emotionally rip your heart out, and with a bit more fine tuning, we believe it can accomplish this.
The only elephant in the room with this show is the actual elephant in the room! It’s a complete triumph and we hope it runs for years and years to come.
Incredible, inimitable and utterly unmissable.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Edge
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently booking until 3 June, with tickets available here.
