REVIEW: Moulin Rouge The Musical | Edinburgh Playhouse | UK Tour Premiere 2025

"Red hot. Rocking. Ridiculously good fun."

Moulin Rouge! has landed in Edinburgh, and OH MY MOULIN – this show is an absolute knockout. Currently lighting up the stage at the Playhouse until 14 June 2025, the iconic musical has kicked off its first-ever world tour right here in Scotland’s capital – and they’re doing it in full, fabulous style.

As soon as you step into the theatre, you’re transported straight to the heart of Paris’ most iconic nightclub. There’s a glittering windmill on one side, a giant blue elephant on the other, and everything – I mean everything – is bathed in rich, seductive reds - and that’s before the curtain even goes up. The entire place feels like a living, breathing cabaret fantasy.

Lights, sequins, action!

From the opening number to the jaw-dropping finale, the visual design is just chef’s kiss. Set designer Derek McLane has outdone himself with a dynamic, detailed backdrop that feels immersive from every seat in the house. And those costumes? Catherine Zuber's looks are dripping in glamour – corsets, feathers, rhinestones and all. Combine that with Justin Townsend’s electrifying lighting (yes, there are strobe effects – buckle up) and Peter Hylenski’s sound design, and you’ve got a full-blown feast for the senses.

The music is a MONSTER!

This isn’t just a jukebox musical – it’s a turbo-charged megamix of more than 70 iconic songs. We’re talking Queen, Adele, Britney, Elton John, Sia, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and more. Old favourites from the film are here (Your Song, Come What May), but there’s a ton of new surprises too. Thanks to Justin Levine’s clever arrangements, every mashup hits different – and every musical moment slaps.

This cast? Unreal!

Verity Thompson absolutely owns the stage as Satine. She's fierce, vulnerable, magnetic – everything you want from the Sparkling Diamond. Nate Landskroner’s Christian is all heart and soul, with a voice that soars. And Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler? Total scene-stealer. Kurt Kansley and German Santiago round out the bohemian gang with buckets of charm and swagger. But it’s the ensemble that truly takes things up a gear – especially during "El Tango de Roxanne" (a dramatic, spine-tingling high point) and the Bad Romance scene, which is basically pure adrenaline in fishnets.

No slow bits. No filler. Just full-on spectacle.

The choreography (by the brilliant Sonya Tayeh) is fiery and fast-paced, blending high drama with club energy. Every number bursts with passion, precision and theatrical chaos – in the best way. The whole thing feels like a party you never want to leave.

The verdict?

This isn’t just a show – it’s an event. It’s glitter and heartbreak, love and rebellion, all wrapped in a rhinestone-studded package. Fans of the film will love it. Newcomers will be blown away. Everyone will leave grinning, humming, and probably booking tickets to see it again.

Moulin Rouge! is running until Saturday 14th June 2025 at the Edinburgh Playhouse – but don’t wait. Tickets are flying faster than the confetti cannon. This is your chance to see the Spectacular Spectacular in all its jaw-dropping glory.

Get ready to can-can. 💃🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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