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The Greatest Thing You’ll Ever Hear: Love in Full Belt at the Moulin Rouge

  • bkatherinerose1
  • Jun 4
  • 3 min read

Red "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" text on black background with a cast list including Satine by Natalie Kassanga and Christian by Dom Simpson.

Date - 22/05/2025

Theatre - Piccadilly Theatre

Seat - Can Can J17

Stars - 5 stars


This is a fever dream of a musical set with the Bohemian ideals of Freedom, Truth, Beauty, and Love. Based on the film, Christian (Dom Simpson), a young writer, moves from Lima, Ohio to Paris, where he meets two eccentric people, Toulouse (Paul Mukembo) and Santiago (Elia Lo Tauro), who are living in dire poverty because they are artists. They take him to audition his music at the Moulin Rouge to Satine (Natalie Kassanga), the sparkling diamond. They quickly fall in love, but then the Duke(Ben Richards) arrives, a powerful man who invests in the club in exchange for Satine's affection, and she is torn between love and survival. The story continues as a tragic love triangle.


Performer in red-themed cabaret setting, lounging in striped outfit, surrounded by ornate decor and glowing red lights.

The show's themes are the bohemian ideals of freedom, beauty, truth, and love, the idea of obligation with societal pressures and the ideal of financial survival. This is a tragedy with a moment hinting at a darker side of suicide. But all in all, the musical is known for its big numbers and the costumes.The costumes are a story within themselves, with the idea of the sparkling costumes showing the sparkling parts of the club. However, when you look at the others, they are perfect but have no jewels, just colour to distract from the fact that the club is struggling. Then you have the Bohemian Rhapsody show, where the costumes are so basic, yet they have a key role to play from a distance.

Two performers in red corsets stand against a glowing heart-shaped backdrop with intricate patterns. Neon lights and a warm ambiance fill the stage.

The show ranks among my all-time favourites (expect more reviews featuring different casts). Each cast member shines throughout the performance, with subtle facial expressions adding depth to each character's story. A standout for me was Gavin Ryans in the ensemble during the rehearsal scenes; his enthusiasm and body language while cheering for the female Moulin Rouge dancers were remarkable. I must also mention when Christian (Dom) turns away as Harold makes Satine (Natalie) the sparkling diamond. This small gesture reveals much about Christian's feelings and concern for Satine.


The show starts during the preshow, setting the atmosphere with the ensemble walking around. The moment Christian raises the sign, the music begins, and you know you're in for a good time. Act 1 and Act 2 openings are full of dancing and energy, with a strong focus on storytelling through a mixture of dance and dialogue. The show keeps you on your toes, especially with the love triangle and dangers around every corner. The transitions between each scene are covered by ensemble members dancing or a song, allowing changes to larger sets.


Performers in vibrant costumes stand on a red stage, illuminated by neon lights spelling "MOULIN ROUGE." Red decor and tables fill the scene.

The Moulin Rouge is a symbol of illusions and escapism. Even though, as I mentioned, they are in debt, the glamour is still shown. Satine is a Sparkling Diamond, a metaphor for beauty, desire, and fragility. This hides her inner pain, but the idea is treated like a possession. The green fairy is an inspiration and temptation; the drink can cause chaos.


The show even asks you to think about your love story, an affair of a love story. But by seriously following this heartbreaking love story with strong emotions and each character reaching for their dream, the pop music also brings so much nostalgia and really brings the emotions out. Apart from one, it doesn't take the feelings away; I feel a better song choice could have been picked. The idea of being contradicted by this song also runs throughout the show.If you have gotten this far, you would have guessed: I recommend this show.



Welcome Mat Rating - 4 stars

Performer in black hat lifts dancer's arm on ornate red stage with bright lights and intricate patterns, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus, which isn't step-free, but Green Park station, just a little further away, offers full step-free access for a more convenient journey.

The main entrance has double doors and step-free access. There is an alternative entrance that leads to the royal circle seating. In the royal circle, there are accessible toilets next to box C.

The theatre is equipped with Sennheiser MobileConnect WiFi. Audience members can use their smart devices with headphones or hearing aids or borrow devices from the theatre. For audio-described performances, they try to perform this at least once a year. Visual resources are available to help visitors prepare for their visit.

An access host will be available at every performance to help, plus 6 team members have BSL knowledge. Working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and the theatre provides water bowls.

They can send a visual story to help neurodivergent people prepare for their visit. They also offer a sensory bag.



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