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Moulin Rouge! On London's Westend 

12th February 2022, A Galantines Galore!

All views in this piece are my own, I bought my ticket to see this show and am in no way affiliate to it.

***in three words:***

Captivating, exciting & intriguing. 

Filled to the brim with the excitement of what was to come. And of course, with my own expectations. I was ready for the show to begin before we sat down.


I always find it’s best to hold jukebox musicals to a different, if ever so slightly more forgiving, standard to other productions you may see. I 100% suggest doing this with The Moulin Rouge.


Jukebox musicals are not famed for their ingenuity. They are enjoyed for their nostalgia. The thrill of recognising those first three notes of a song from your youth. To see narratives played out that you could only dream of. Jukebox musicals are loved for that feeling of familiarity. With powerful ballads and enchanting re orchestrations of those comforting melodies. That is where they tend to stay. In that feel good comfort zone.


This is exactly where this production of The Moulin Rouge has positioned its self. And rightly so. It would do it no good to attempt otherwise. It what it is. And for what it is, it is pretty spectacular.


From the word go I was captivated. By the sets, the costumes, the cast! As I allowed the production to take me back to a 1900s world. With the sultry tones of; Katy Perry, Beyoncé and The Rolling Stones. An eclectic mix.


I was intrigued to discover how the show had been modernised. And I was not disappointed by any of the new additions. Although I did feel the absence of the original soundtrack at some key points. I had set my heart upon hearing that ol’ familiar version of the elephant love medley. By far my favourite point in the movie. But not so much in the live show.

A cheeky group photo outside the theatre 

The cast themselves were delightful. Their energy protrudes from the stage turning every heart in the room into a drum. Lisi Lafontaine, who plays Santine. I only have one word. Wow. From her entrance to her closing number, she is incredible. Her first entrance. You will never forget it. Jamie Bogyo, who plays Christian in the show is outstanding. His vocal range is incredible. I still can not believe this is his debut on the London West End!


The costumes are wonderful. They do not disappoint. They give you the full show girl, 1900s Montmartre vibes whilst clearly being functional to perform in. I have now decided that I need an entire wardrobe of dramatic robes after watching Lisi Lafontaine move with such grace and power in hers throughout the show. 

Bringing this to a close. What the show lacks in originality it by far makes up for in passion and inclusion. This has to be one of the most diverse productions I have seen on the London West End in recent years. And you have to love it for that. Respect it. They took the opportunity, and they did it. Spectacularly. And despite the heteronormativity and multiple saviour complexes that still pour through, you can see that this is clearly a step in the right direction for all theatre. 


Am I going to see it again? Most definitely. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️  

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