© Global Creatures 2025. All Rights Reserved.
  • Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia during “Elephant Love Medley,” with two main characters beside a central Eiffel Tower structure, one holding a sparkly umbrella, under starry lights and a glowing “L’amour” sign.
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA
  • MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA

Moulin Rouge! The Musical was the first Global Creatures production to premiere outside of Australia, so bringing it home was especially meaningful. Just over two decades after Baz Luhrmann’s MOULIN ROUGE!  film was filmed in Sydney, it was amazing to bring the production to audiences across Australia, who opened their hearts and welcomed us so warmly in each city.

The show was in pre-production in 2020 and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, despite the challenges including multiple lockdowns, strict government protocols, incessant COVID-19 testing, quarantining, masked rehearsals, and rolling delays to opening, the production came to life with resilience and passion. It was such a remarkable time, and it is easy to forget all the sacrifice and courage of the company as the world returned to normal.

After premiering in Melbourne on 12 November 2021 at the Regent Theatre, it played at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Crown Theatre in Perth, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane (with a visit from Uncle Baz and CM!), returning back to Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, with the final curtain closing on 4 February 2024.

The cast was led by Alinta Chidzey as the sparkling diamond, Satine. Opposite her was Des Flanagan, who brought charm to the role of Christian, the Bohemian songwriter. The legendary club impresario Harold Zidler was played by Australia’s much-loved stage and screen performer, Simon Burke AO. The Satine Alternate was portrayed by Patrice Tipoki, whose stage presence offered a compelling interpretation of the iconic character.

TO GROW UP IN THIS COUNTRY, YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD BECAUSE ITS NOT COMING TO YOU. MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL SHONE A LIGHT ON AUSTRALIA, ITS CAPABILITIES AND THE VERY HIGH CALIBRE OF TALENT HERE. THAT WAS A GREAT OUTCOME OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION GOING AHEAD. WE PRESENTED AUSTRALIA TO THE WORLD STAGE. CARMEN PAVLOVIC, PRODUCER

In an industry-first initiative, we launched the very first Get Technical! Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in 2022, devised by General Manager Dawn Martin,  a free educational event that attracted over 4,000 students.  More on this below in our Industry Development section.

The production recouped its investment in August 2022. An outstanding achievement for a show that absorbed millions of dollars of COVID-related costs and lost 120 performances in its first Melbourne season, refunding substantial sums of money from ticket sales as a result.

The tour ran for just over two years, after 801 unforgettable performances, creating over 330 direct jobs, breaking box office records in each city, welcoming close to 1.4 million theatregoers to the show and connecting with audiences in extraordinary ways.  The tour was not only a commercial success but also a cultural milestone.

GLOBAL CREATURES TEAM 

The Global Creatures team provided local general management services to the production.  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the team demonstrated extraordinary tenacity, resilience and commitment. Navigating a constantly changing landscape of freight delays, rolling international and state border closures, the team adapted quickly, auditioning performers over Zoom with Creatives in the US and the GC producing team in Australia. There was constant reworking of schedules to meet evolving safety protocols, refunding tickets when borders and lockdowns forced us to delay our opening by four months, and pivoting marketing campaigns to reflect the emotional and uncertain landscape of the country. The entire team’s unwavering dedication ensured that when it was finally safe for audiences to return to theatres, the show was ready to dazzle. It was a triumph of creativity and perseverance, bringing joy back to Australian stages at a time when it was needed the most.

WORLDWIDE

Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Australia) during “Backstage Romance.” A group of dancers performs in front of a red brick wall with ropes hanging down, evoking a backstage atmosphere. The dancers wear colorful, cabaret-style costumes and strike dynamic poses with arms extended forward, capturing the energy of the number.

Credit Michelle Grace Hunder

“Intoxicating... A feast for the senses”
The Age

Creatives

  • Travis Khan, Resident Choreographer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia, laughing with some of the cast during rehearsal.

    Credit Charlie Kinross

  • Kylie Clarke, Wigs, Hair and Makeup Design Associate of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia, smiling into the camera as she styles a pink wig, with other completed wigs lined up behind her.

    Credit Chris Parker

  • Credit Chris Parker

  • Janet Hine, Costume Design Associate of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia, smiling into the camera. She is surrounded by various costumes for the show on mannequins.

    Credit Carly Earl

  • Danielle Bilios, Associate Choreographer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia, striking a dance pose during rehearsals.

    Credit Charlie Kinross

  • Justin Levine and the Australian music department smiling for the camera.

    Credit Chris Parker

  • The Associate creative team of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia posing in front of a media wall at opening night.

    Credit Claudio Raschella

Book John Logan
Director Alex Timbers
Choreographer Sonya Tayeh
Music Supervision, Orchestrations, Arrangements
and Additional Lyrics		 Justin Levine
Scenic Design Derek McLane
Costume Design Catherine Zuber
Lighting Design Justin Townsend
Sound Design Peter Hylenski
Hair Design David Brian Brown
Makeup Design Sarah Cimino
Creative Consultation Services Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin
Music Producer Matt Stine
Associate Director  Jacinta John 
Associate Music Supervisor  Stephen Amos 
Associate Choreographer  Danielle Bilios 
Set Design Associate Isabel Hudson 
Costume Design Associate Janet Hine 
Lighting Design Associate Gavan Swift 
Associate Sound Design David Greasley 
Wig, Hair and Make Up Design Associate Kylie Clarke 
Casting Director Lisa Campbell 
  • The entire company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical gathered on stage out of costume, smiling into the camera. They are surrounded by the iconic red heart portal feature of the set.

    Credit Chris Parker

    Show Fact
    Across the entire tour, there was a total of 59 cast members, 243 crew members, and 35 musicians.
  • A close-up shot of a person's hands as they sew a costume piece from Elephant Love Medley in Moulin Rouge! The Musical

    Credit Carly Earl

    Show Fact
    The costumes were all hand-made in Sydney by a team of over 50 artisans, including Satine’s quintessential sparkling gown which is decorated with over 3,500 hand-placed Preciosa crystals.
  • Two people applying the finishing touches to one of the heart portal set pieces from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Other set pieces can be seen behind them in the workshop.

    Credit Alice Healy

    Show Fact
    All of the set was made in Australia except the blue elephant, weighing 220kg and standing at 5.1m tall, which was made in New York.
  • Two crew members standing on ladders working together to install the 'MOULIN ROUGE' neon set piece.

    Credit Vanessa Montalto

    Show Fact
    It took 15 people to unbox and install the neon ‘Moulin Rouge!’ sign into the Regent Theatre.
  • A dresser wearing a headlight assisting one of the performers in Moulin Rouge! The Musical backstage. They are lit up by red lighting, indicating the show playing off camera. Behind them is a prop stand which houses various props used throughout the production.

    Credit Chris Parker

    Show Fact
    The backstage crew assisted with 46,400 wig changes and 194,400 costume changes.
  • The Assistant Stage Manager of Moulin Rouge! The Musical looks onto the stage from the wings. She is wearing a headset with a microphone.

    Credit Vanessa Montalto

    Show Fact
    The stage managers called over 300,000 light cues throughout the entire tour.
  • A table in the special Can-Can seating area of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The table is draped in a red and gold patterned cloth and holds a small red-shaded lamp with a gold base, a menu or program, and a sign marked with the letter “B.” Surrounding the table are plush red seats and decorative lighting along the stage edge.

    Credit Chris Parker

    Show Fact
    There are over 200 various-sized speakers throughout the set, including within the lamps located on the exclusive Can-Can tables.

Awards & Nominations

  • Curtain call scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Performers line up on a lavishly decorated stage featuring chandeliers, red drapes, golden accents, and a large illuminated “MOULIN ROUGE” sign. Confetti falls from above as the cast takes their bows. The audience is visible in the foreground, applauding the performance.

    Credit Sam Tabone

  • The cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical are grouped together in formal attire, smiling for the camera at the Opening Night afterparty for Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Sydney.

    Credit Ben Symons

  • Cast and crew of Moulin Rouge! The Musical are grouped together on a lavishly decorated stage featuring chandeliers, red drapes, golden accents, and a large illuminated “MOULIN ROUGE” sign. Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, and Carmen Pavlovic are pictured in the center of everyone.

    Credit Claudio Raschella

  • Julie Norman, Carmen Pavlovic, Baz Luhrmann, and Angela Dalton pose in front of a Moulin Rouge! The Musical media wall on opening night in Brisbane.

    Credit Claudio Raschella

  • Curtain call scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Performers line up on a lavishly decorated stage. Confetti falls from above as the cast takes their bows. The audience is visible in the foreground, applauding the performance.

    Credit Claudio Raschella

  • Vanessa Montalto, Dawn Martin, and Madeline Burgess pose in front of an 'Australian Event Awards' media wall, holding up a trophy.
Best Production of a Musical
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical Simon Burke (Harold Zidler)
Outstanding Production
Technical Direction Richard Martin
Wigs, Hair and Make-up David Brian Brown & Sarah Cimino
Musical of the Year
Ticket of the Year 
Winner – Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical  Derek Mclane
Best Choreography Of A Play Or Musical Sonya Tayeh
Best New Event (National) Get Technical! – Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event (QLD) Get Technical! – Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event (WA) Get Technical! – Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Best Performance in a Musical Des Flanagan (Christian)
View all global creatures awards

WATCH BEHIND THE SCENES

Step inside our video gallery to watch performances and behind-the-scenes moments that bring the show to life.

CLICK TO WATCH

  • Credit Chris Parker

Social Responsibility

The Bohemian Project

The Bohemian Project the global initiative for Moulin Rouge! The Musical  to give back to the community, focusses on  supporting emerging artists, creatives, and local communities through industry development, community support, accessibility for people with disabilities, and expanding theatre access for underrepresented groups.

Global Creatures and Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Australia undertook a number of social responsibility initiatives, using digital platforms to maximise community engagement, awareness raising and fundraising activities during the Australian tour from 2021 to 2024. Some highlights included: 

  • Provided Australian ticket buyers with a link to donate to Entertainment Assist, a non-profit organisation that aims to support Australian entertainment professionals with mental health and well-being services, in the ticketing purchase platform.  
  • Public statements, curtain call speeches, media interviews and social media initiatives to publicly support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s national campaign to recognise and enshrine a First Peoples’ Voice in Australia’s Constitution. 
  • Miranda from Jilya Institute for Mental Health for Indigenous communities and Maitland and Bobbie from Yirra Yaakin Theatre co on stage at Moulin Rouge! The Musical with Jarrod Draper (Toulouse-Lautrec)

    Credit Sam Tabone

  • Miranda from Jilya Institute for Mental Health for Indigenous communities and Maitland and Bobbie from Yirra Yaakin Theatre co with Carmen Pavlovic Global Creatures

    Credit Sam Tabone

  • The audience at the end of a performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical applauding the performance. Some are seen standing up while applauding.

    Credit Sam Tabone

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

GET TECHNICAL! BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

As part of The Bohemian Project, the Australian production team (under the leadership of Dawn Martin, General Manager and Angela Dalton, Head of Production) created Get Technical! Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, an event which aims to address crew shortages by showcasing the many backstage roles available in the theatre industry.

Heads of department and crew members from the production generously dedicated their time and expertise to showcase the inner workings of their roles—from lighting and sound to costume, automation, and stage management. Their passion and openness created an inspiring environment where students were genuinely blown away by the complexity, creativity, and collaboration required to bring the show to life. The event not only demystified the technical side of theatre but also sparked curiosity and ambition in the next generation of backstage talent.

These events attracted over 5,000 students across Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne and were hosted by actor Simon Burke AO (Harold Zidler). The Brisbane event featured special co-host Catherine Martin, four-time Oscar-winning set, production and costume designer.

“INTEREST IN THE BACKSTAGE WORLD HAS BEEN UNPRECEDENTED – PEOPLE JUST NEEDED TO BE SHOWN WHAT THEY CAN DO AND HOW TO FIND A WAY INTO THAT WORLD. GLOBAL CREATURES HAS DELIVERED ON THAT”.  DAWN MARTIN, GENERAL MANAGER, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL AUSTRALIA

We’re especially proud that following the success of Get Technical! in Australia, has expanded to the West End, Broadway, Germany and on the World Tour, along with the launch of the Get Technical! Academy in the West End.

  • The costume department showing off some of the costumes of Moulin Rouge! The Musical on stage during 'Get Technical! Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

    Credit Vanessa Montalto

  • The crew of Moulin Rouge! The Musical sitting along the edge of the stage in all black-clothing during question time at 'Get Technical! Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

    Credit Chris Parker

  • A lighting department crew member showing off the lighting effects used in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on stage during 'Get Technical! Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

    Credit Chris Parker

  • Simon Burke interviewing Richard Martin, Technical Director, on stage during 'Get Technical! Behind The Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

    Credit Chris Parker

Gallery

'El Tango De Roxanne' scene from from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia. Christian stands center stage under a bright spotlight, wearing a long coat and dark clothing. Around him, dancers strike dynamic poses, lit by red stage lights. The dark background heightens the contrast and drama of the scene.
Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia during “Elephant Love Medley,” with two main characters beside a central Eiffel Tower structure, one holding a sparkly umbrella, under starry lights and a glowing “L’amour” sign.
Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia during “Backstage Romance,” featuring performers in vibrant theatrical costumes posed dramatically under stage lighting.
Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia during the “Backstage Romance” number. Eight dancers perform in front of an industrial brick wall backdrop with ropes and pulleys. Green lighting casts a moody glow. Each pair strikes dramatic, synchronized poses—male dancers support their partners in deep backbends. Costumes are colorful and cabaret-inspired, including corsets, shorts, and suspenders.
A scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia where Satine sits on a swing suspended mid-air, dressed in an elaborate corseted costume. A spotlight from the right highlights the performer against a dark backdrop filled with scattered lights resembling stars, creating a dramatic and ethereal atmosphere.
A scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia between Santiago and Nini. Santiago stands on the left with one foot on a chair, wearing a red outfit with an open shirt and black boots. Nini sits on a chair to the right, leaning forward with one leg extended, dressed in a black corseted costume with fishnet stockings and high-heeled boots. The backdrop is a brick wall with hanging ropes, evoking a backstage setting.
Romantic stage scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia. Christian and Satine stand center stage in an intimate moment. The backdrop features a large heart, red drapery, and the word “l’amour” in cursive. Ornate furniture including chairs and a chaise lounge decorate the set. A night sky with a full moon and Parisian rooftops completes the atmospheric, love-themed setting.
Credit Michelle Grace Hunter

What it was Like Working on the Show

  • "They’re such an amazing cast to work with and they just come with such heart, collaboration, and connection with one another which is what we celebrate in Moulin Rouge"
    Sonya Tayeh - Choreographer
  • "It’s been an incredible experience working with the Australian company. There’s an unbelievable amount of generosity of spirit."
    Justin Levine - Music Supervision, Orchestrations, Arrangements and Additional Lyrics
  • "I love this show and I love this cast. Their talent and their passion for what they present on stage is unlike anything you’ve seen."
    Des Flanagan - Christian
  • "Everyone is so beautiful, everyone works so hard, like none other that I’ve ever worked with."
    Samantha Dodemaide - Nini
  • "To conduct this show is a bit of a wild ride because once the music starts, it barely stops. It’s really in your face, vibrant, exciting, and it doesn’t let up."
    Luke Hunter - Australian Musical Director

KEY DATES

2021

 12 November - The first curtain raised at the Regent Theatre, kicking off a 174-performance run which made history as the second highest-grossing show in the theatre’s history!

2022

 28 May - Sydney got its turn as the Capitol Theatre opened its doors for 277 sold-out shows.

2022

 1 December - The very first Get Technical! event took audiences behind the scenes of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Capitol Theatre with an exclusive look at the technical side of the production.

2023

 16 February - Perth welcomed the production to the Crown Theatre, where it sold out within the first four weeks. The season wrapped on 27 April after 68 incredible performances.

2023

 23 March - Perth’s Crown Theatre hosted the second Get Technical! event, sharing more backstage secrets with audience members.

2023

 16 May - The first of 84 performances in Brisbane! The season sold out within the first four weeks and ran through to 27 July.

2023

 22 June - Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre hosted the third Get Technical! event, this time featuring special guest, costume and set designer from the MOULIN ROUGE! film, Catherine Martin.

2023

 20 August - Melbourne welcomed the show back to the Regent Theatre for a return season that sold out all 197 performances and smashed box office records, achieving the highest weekly box office gross of any show at the Regent Theatre for an 8 show week.

2023

 30 November - The fourth and final Get Technical! event took place at the Regent Theatre, giving audiences one last peek behind the curtain.

2024

 4 February - After a whirlwind journey across the country, the Australian tour came to a close with a spectacular final performance.

Latest News

View all news
Moulin Rouge! The Musical to Dedicate Performance to The Westerman Jilya Institute and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Co.
January 16 2024
READ MORE
Miranda from Jilya Institute for Mental Health for Indigenous communities and Maitland and Bobbie from Yirra Yaakin Theatre co with Carmen Pavlovic Global Creatures
Behind The Curtain: Making Magic and Technical Triumphs with Richard Martin
November 27 2023
READ MORE
RM popping head through red curtain MRTM
Global Creatures and the team behind Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrate its recoupment on Broadway, West End and Australia
August 14 2023
by Baz Bamigboye, Deadline
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin and Carmen Pavlovic come together to create Moulin Rouge! The Musical
July 5 2023
by The Courier Mail
READ MORE
Carmen Pavlovic, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin at Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Brisbane, Australia 2023
Bert LaBonté cast as Toulouse-Lautrec for the return Melbourne season of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
May 10 2023
READ MORE
Moulin Rouge! The Musical sells out around Australia!
May 1 2023
READ MORE
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is Coming to Brisbane
October 10 2022
READ MORE

More Productions

View all productions

GATSBY: AN AMERICAN MYTH
Scene from Muriel’s Wedding The Musical Leicester production, with Muriel seated on a heart-patterned bed surrounded by four performers in white disco-era costumes under vibrant stage lighting.

MURIEL'S WEDDING THE MUSICAL LEICESTER