Moulin Rouge! The Musical has taken over the Liverpool Empire Theatre for a five-week run until August 2, 2026, achieving over 70,000 ticket sales. The stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film features a jukebox soundtrack of over 70 songs, but some fans may find the heavy reliance on 2000s pop hits a mixed bag.
A Spectacular Opening
The show begins before the audience sits, with six performers on stage in front of red neon heart portals. The iconic clicks of 'Lady Marmalade' welcome viewers into a world of glitz and glamour, as Harold Zidler and the Diamond Dogs set the tone. The high-energy ensemble performs 'Can Can Can' with choreography that leaves many breathless, prompting clap-alongs from the crowd.
The opening number, 'Welcome to the Moulin Rouge,' weaves snippets of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' and Talking Heads' 'Burning Down the House' into a Nile Rodgers-inspired medley.
A Jukebox Overload
For fans of the original film, the influx of new songs can be disorienting. Verity Thompson's Satine covers Katy Perry's 'Firework,' and the cast performs mashups of Walk the Moon's 'Shut Up and Dance' with Pink's 'Raise Your Glass.' The romantic duet between Thompson's Satine and Nate Landskroner's Christian blends CeeLo Green's 'Crazy' with Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep,' leaving the critic less invested in their love story.
Despite this, the cast is exceptional. Thompson, Landskroner, Cameron Blakely (Harold Zidler), Kurt Kansley (Toulouse-Lautrec), James Bryers (The Duke), and Rodrigo Negrini (Santiago) deliver strong performances. Liverpool actor Scott Sutcliffe stands out as Baby Doll, incorporating his Scouse accent to local delight.
Costumes and Set Design
According to assistant stage manager Andrew Swarbrigg, the show features more than 300 costumes, with a 'wardrobe village' backstage. Thousands of crystals, dozens of corsets, and traditional can-can skirts create a stunning visual display. The set requires 14 trucks to transport and includes rich reds, bright neon lights, and detailed backdrops.
The production's scale is unmatched in musical theatre, with breathtaking design elements that dominate the stage.
A Memorable but Flawed Experience
While the show offers high-energy, in-your-face entertainment, the changes from Luhrmann's original—including a less dramatic ending—may disappoint purists. The beautiful rendition of 'Come What May' remains a highlight. For those new to the story, the spectacle is worth seeing, but fans of the film may find the 2000s pop infusion distracting.
