Ever wondered what it would be like to enter Paris and be enthralled within a world of Freedom, Beauty, truth and love? Well, now you cancan can. Moulin Rouge the world tour has descended in the iconic Liverpool empire. From the moment they opened the house doors you were immersed from having the house open call in French to entering an auditorium that made you feel like you time travelled to Paris. Having seen the real place myself there wasn’t much that was different every intricate detail was adhered to. The musical by John Logan based of the iconic film by Baz Luhrmann, set in 1899 in the bohemian district of Paris. Where at the club it has a star attraction Satine (Verity Thompson). Where common folk and aristocracy flock to see the beauty and wonder she beholds at the club. The club needs investment and is struggling so Harold Zidler (Cameron Blakey) sets up a rendezvous between Satine and the very rich Duke in the hope he will become an investor and save the Moulin Rouge from extinction. Meanwhile, a young singer songwriter called Christian (Craig Watson) along with Santiago (Rodrigo Negrini) and Toulouse-Lautrec (Kurt Kansley). Try and get in to the club to meet Satine to pitch their new show so it could be performed at the Rouge and make them a few quid.
From the moment beginners is called you are enthralled and hit in the face with lights, action and foot stomping songs that will get you in the party mood and clapping until your hands are red raw. Given the chance I think many of those in the audience would have cancan’d if they could to. There were some incredible mash ups of popular songs that were matched without of this world harmonies and vocal rifts. The audience were so so generous in their laughter and participation. I always feel like I’m at something truly iconic and special when you feel immersed from the get go and that’s exactly what I was. As when the production had finished and I left, I forgot I was actually in Liverpool because you could be convinced that you’d stepped into Paris.
Every single person within that company, whether it was actor, dancer, swing, band or tech team truly shone and shown why they are the best at their craft last night. It was faultless and made expectations limitless.
My one major criticism about the show and really it’s not actually about the show itself. Is the ticket pricing. Whilst I’m very lucky and fortunate to have been invited to watch the show. I do think the ticket prices could been seen as rather steep. But when you balance it out with the intricate details and how much actually goes in to a production like this you can see why it has the price tag it does within the stalls.
That said you must must must see this show if you cancan can. Before it ventures off to another venue in the Uk and beyond. No matter where you sit you’ll have the best Vue and be on your feet with admiration.
Reviewer: Luke Stephenson
Reviewed: 7th July 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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