Review | Moulin Rouge | Manchester Palace Theatre | 21 August 2025
- Jonathan Rawlinson
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If any film was destined to make the leap from screen to stage, it’s Moulin Rouge. Almost four years since debuting in the West End after transferring from Broadway with an impressive ten Tony Awards, it opens this week at Manchester Palace Theatre as part of an extensive world tour.
From the moment you enter the auditorium, it’s clear this is no ordinary touring production. No expense has been spared with Derek McLane’s lavish set, spilling out beyond the stage, with a spinning windmill and an imposing elephant statue adorning the upper boxes. With red lights bathing the audience whilst performers sultrily walk the stage, you are transported to the Moulin Rouge… in case the insta-worthy neon sign on stage didn’t give it away!
The show opens in spectacular style, with Lady Marmalade mashed up with a whole host of modern pop hits, in what is one of the most exciting show openings I’ve ever seen staged. It is larger than life, camp and high energy, setting the tone for the rest of the show to live up to. Yes, it’s pure spectacle, but it also serves to quickly introduce key characters allowing the audience to jump straight in, whether familiar with the story or not.
The storytelling, however, never quite reaches the same heights as the visuals. The plot remains thin, with the central romance leaning more towards lust than genuine passion, making it difficult to truly invest in them. That said, the cast are universally superb in spite of these limitations. Verity Thompson leads the cast superbly as Satine with incredible vocals and undeniable stage presence, perfectly matched by Josh Rose as Christian.
As brilliant as the leads are, the real stars of this show are the ensemble who really take the show to new heights with the help of Sonya Tayeh's Tony Award-winning choreography. It is the huge production numbers, such as the irresistible act two opener ‘Backstage Romance’, that elevate Moulin Rouge over many of the jukebox-style musicals out there. It is impossible not to be swept up in it all; this is the gold standard for large ensemble performance. You are unlikely to experience anything quite like this either on tour or in the West End.
The use of newer contemporary pop songs, many of which were released since the film, keep the production feeling fresh. While there is, of course, the inclusion of the most iconic songs from the film, including ‘Come What May’, the newer material helps give the musical its own unique identity and energy. It is a risk, and although not every song fits the narrative perfectly, it more than pays off.
Moulin Rouge is big, bold, unapologetically extravagant and heaps of fun. Yes, a little more heart and depth would elevate it further, but it knows exactly what it is, and it gives the audience everything they came for and more. At a time when many productions feel increasingly scaled back, Moulin Rouge is a reminder of just how exhilarating musical theatre can be when it is allowed to truly shine. Moulin Rouge is on at Manchester Palace Theatre until Saturday 04 October 2025.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a ticket is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.
