Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, Review:

***** (5 Stars)

“An Intoxicating Delight!”

The Broadway and West End smash hit Moulin Rouge! The musical embarks on its first world tour with a debut season at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed 2001 motion picture taking audiences into the heart of the great Moulin Rouge cabaret club in Paris which celebrates its 135^th Anniversary this year where decadence meets creativity as humanity of the bohemians come together to perform. It’s also the timeless story of forbidden love between Satine, A stunning performance from Verity Thompson and Christian, a beguiling turn from Nate Landskroner. It’s a heady mix that proves to be an intoxicating delight!

This is a juke box musical that raises the bar to new heights with a beautiful book by John Logan and the original creative team of Director Alex Timbers, Chorographer Sonya Tayeh reunite for this production which brings the magic and sparkle of the West End to Edinburgh and leaves the audiences beguiled with its charm.

Performances are faultless across the board, with both Thompson and Landskroner delivering career defining and finally nuanced performances and they prove they have the vocal ability to match. Cameron Blakely is a triumph of comedy timing and showmanship in the role of “Harold Zidler”. James Bryers brings terrific villainy to his role as “The Duke” but allow just enough the characters fear to flow through.  The ten strong principal cast are joined by an outstanding 15 strong ensemble who Paris of 1899 to life with ease and style in equal measure. There isn’t single wrong note among this tight cast who sing with gusto back by Musical Director Ben Ferguson’s utterly sublime ten strong pit orchestra.

Production wise you won’t see a better theatrical treat in Scotland. Derek McLane scenic design is awe inspiring and flows from the footlights and embrace the massive playhouse auditorium. This is bolstered by Justin Townsend’s remarkable lighting design that sets new standards for touring productions. Peter Hylenski’s Sound design is everything and more. Special mention must go to Catherine Zuber’s outrageous, stunning and simply eye popping costume design. The costumes not only enrich the story but embrace the true soul of the Moulin Rouge itself.

Moulin Rouge’s heartfelt message is the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in returned! And my word does that exude from every moment this production is front of its audiences. This is a show that’s steeped in love from its creative’s, its cast, its musicians and its audiences in equal measure.

The Playhouse is the only Scottish date on the world tour for now and reaffirms the venues standard as being the home of the West End Musical seeing Moulin Rouge! The musical will change your expectations of what musical theatre can do and you’re going to miss out on something truly epic if you don’t grab those last remaining tickets now! So Hurry along because you Can Can Can!!!Moulin Rouge The Musical,  Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 14^th June 2025. For more information and tickets go to:https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moulin-rouge-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse/