Moulin Rouge - Piccadilly Theatre - Review

Because you can, can, can see it, so you must, must, must see it.

Having just celebrated its fifth birthday at the Piccadilly Theatre, and welcoming a new cast a few weeks ago, Moulin Rouge remains a bright shining light in the West End, boasting powerhouse vocals, incredible costumes, choreography that is out of this world, and an atmosphere like no other.

In a story that spirals from a simple case of mistaken identity, this huge musical spectacular takes us into the heart of the famous Moulin Rouge club managed by Harold Zidler (James Doherty). With his leading lady Satine (played at this performance by Angela Marie Hurst) wowing the audiences, everything should be a roaring success, but times are hard and the only thing that could save the club is the investment of the wealthy aristocrat the Duke of Monfroth (Daniel Fraser). But the new to Paris Christian (Alistair Brammer) finds himself teamed up with bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec (Hassun Sharif at this performance) and Santiago (Ivan de Freitas) to stage a new play at the club. But what is more important? Satine and Christian’s performance love or securing the Duke’s money to save the Moulin Rouge? And where is the line between fiction and reality?

Christian, determined, head over heels in love and perhaps a little too passionate is the driving force of the story. Played brilliantly by Alistair Brammer, he throws himself into everything, be that his music or his love. Brammer presents a lover with his heart on his sleeve, a man whose world revolves only around the sparkling diamond that is Satine, with his vocals impressing greatly especially in ‘Roxanne’ and ‘Come What May’. Angela Marie Hurst’s Satine is every part the leading lady, oozing glamour and confidence whilst walking the fine line between what she wishes she could do and what she has to do, wishes battling responsibility at all times. There is a spark in Hurst’s take on the character, a look in her eye that tells you everything.

James Doherty’s Harold Zidler is a showman, a performer and a shining leader on the outside with a heart of gold. He cares for his performers, especially Satine, and wants to do what is best for them. He could be, and at times is, a very serious character but Doherty injects a sense of comedy, of light, fussing over wanting props and laughing at cheeky jokes.

A real star turn here is Daniel Fraser as The Duke of Monroth, suave, sophisticated and effortlessly charming. Clearly revelling in the fun of being the baddie of the piece and swapping his Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Scrooge top hat for that of the all powerful duke, Fraser thrills and showcases some wonderful vocals commanding attention throughout even when seemingly as the edge of a scene.

From the second this show begins, it is a full on assault on the senses; music, lights, can can dancers, songs beautifully blending into each other and the magic starts the moment you walk into the Piccadilly there. Plush red curtains cover the surfaces, twinkling lights shine overhead and excitement fizzes from every corner. This is a theatrical experience like no other with the ensemble pulling off quick changes, dance heavy musical numbers and intricately put together medleys with ease filling the stage with flair and energy.

The show features 75 songs, all beautifully blended together into medleys that both fit the story perfectly and thrill the audience. A few laughs of recognition come here and there as audience realise they know the song and see how well it fits in that moment, and that is all a part of the fun.

Perhaps one of the biggest and boldest musicals currently playing in the West End, Moulin Rouge is exciting, delighting and completely engaging. You will enter the Piccadilly theatre and become entirely immersed in the glamour, the romance and the thills, the music, the passion and the peril. And you will leave the theatre with the strongest urge to return again, as soon as possible.