An ever-present example of excessive glitz, grandeur and glory on the West End since 2022, one of London’s most glamorous theatre shows is ready to set the world on fire with its electrifying performances in 2025. The musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s beloved Moulin Rouge! embarks on its first-ever world tour – including a stop at Bristol Hippodrome.
Set in Paris, 1899, Moulin Rouge! indulges a world of beauty and extravagance full of bohemians, aristocrats, and reprobates. The story follows a lovesick American writer, Christian, and the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, Satine. With his friends – the artist Toulouse-Lautrec and Paris’ greatest tango dancer, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular to save the Moulin Rouge and win Satine’s heart.
But, let’s face it, it’s not really about the plot. On top of the dazzling decor and costumes, you probably best remember Moulin Rouge! for its cabaret renditions of pop music classics. From ‘Your Song’ and ‘Like A Virgin’ to the rap medley/mash-up of ‘Lady Marmalade’, ‘Because We Can’ and ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, the soundtrack is iconic, to say the least.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which won Best Musical at the 74th Tony Awards in 2020, only adds to this incredible celebration of music. From Offenbach to Lady Gaga, the stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago. So expect something special and different from the movie!
Where can I see Moulin Rouge! The Musical in the UK?
You can currently see Moulin Rouge! The Musical every night of the week (apart from Sundays) in London at the Piccadilly Theatre. This will stop at the end of February 2025, however, when this eye-popping show starts its first world tour – kicking off at Edinburgh Playhouse April 22 – June 14.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical will then head to Bristol Hippodrome (June 26 – August 9), Palace Theatre in Manchester (August 20 – October 4), and Birmingham Hippodrome (October 15 – November 15). Casting is still to be revealed, while more dates will be announced soon. To sign up for priority booking head here.