Moulin Rouge! The Musical made its dazzling West End debut at the Piccadilly Theatre on 12 November 2021, the same night as the Australian production’s first preview performance. After navigating several pandemic-related delays, the West End show opened as the third instalment following Broadway and Australia — and from that very first curtain rise, it has captivated London audiences and cemented its place as one of the West End’s biggest and most popular shows.

When the show arrived in London, the Piccadilly Theatre underwent a physical transformation to match the grandeur of the show’s Parisian setting. The venue was reimagined from floor to ceiling — complete with a windmill, a blue elephant, a multitude of chandeliers and velvet drapery on the walls and ceiling — immersing audiences in the world of the Moulin Rouge from the moment they stepped inside. The result is a venue that doesn’t just host a musical – it becomes part of the spectacle.

“I WANT PEOPLE TO WALK IN AND THINK: IT’S NOT LIKE THE PICCADILLY ANY MORE!”. CARMEN PAVLOVIC, PRODUCER

The original West End cast featured Liisi LaFontaine as the sparkling diamond Satine, Jamie Bogyo as Christian, and Clive Carter as the charismatic Harold Zidler. In year two, the lead roles were taken over by Melissa James as Satine, Jamie Muscato as Christian and Matt Rixon as Zidler. Year three saw Tanisha Spring step into the role of Satine, with Dom Simpson as Christian and Ben Richards as Zidler.  By year four, the cast welcomed back Dom Simpson, introducing Natalie Kassanga as Satine and Craig Ryder as Zidler.

Now, as the hit show extends into its fifth year at the Piccadilly Theatre, we’re delighted to reveal a new cast from 13 October 2025, Karis Anderson (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical) will take on the role of Satine, joined by Alistair Brammer (Miss Saigon) as Christian, alongside Craig Ryder returning as Harold Zidler for a second year.

With five spectacular cast changes and over one million audience members to date, the production continues to bring the splendour and romance to the heart of London’s theatre scene. 

PLAYFUL PRODUCTIONS

The general management team at Playful Productions have been with us since the very beginning of Moulin Rouge! The Musical on the West End. Under the steadfast leadership of Nia Janis and the general management team, the company navigated months of uncertainty during COVID-19 with remarkable professionalism and empathy.  Recognised as one of the UK’s leading theatre producers and general managers, they bring invaluable expertise and care to the production. Their collaborative approach and dedication have been essential in bringing the show to life on the West End and ensuring it continues to thrive with London audiences. Nia Janis also serves as the Executive Producer of the West End production.

The West End Christian and Satine smiling as they in Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Credit Marc Brenner

“'Wonderfully Wild! Jaw-Dropping Design and A Cast with Energy to Burn."
The Guardian

Creatives

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
Resident Associate Director Lauren Storer
Associate Musical Supervisor & Co-Musical Director James McKeon
Resident Associate Choreographer Matt Crandon
Associate Scenic Design Ben Davies, Erica Hemminger  
Associate Lighting Design Chris Hirst, Nick Solyom     
Associate Sound Design Justin Stasiw, Daniel Higgott 
Associate Costume Design A.C. Gottlieb, Irene Bohan 
Associate Wigs, Hair & Make up Design Sam Cox
Casting Pippa Ailion CDG, Natalie Gallacher CDG 
Associate Casting Director Grace McInerny
Executive Producer Nia Janis 

Awards & Nominations

Best Costume Design Catherine Zuber
Best New Musical
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Clive Carter
Best Theatre Choreographer Sonya Tayeh
Best Set Design Derek McLane
Best New Production of a Musical
Best Choreography of a New Production of a Play or Musical Sonya Tayeh
Best Costume Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical Catherine Zuber
Best Direction of a New Production of a Musical Alex Timbers
Best Musical Direction of a New Production of a Play or Musical James McKeon
Best Supporting Performer in a New Production of a Musical Zoe Birkett (Arabia)
Best Lighting Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical Justin Townsend
Best Performance By An Understudy/Alternate in Any Play or Musical Adam Gillian (Christian Alternate)
Best Set Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical Derek McLane
Best Sound Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical Peter Hylenski
Best New Musical (2022)
Best Musical Direction (2022) Alex Timbers
Best Choreography (2022) Sonya Tayeh
Best Sound Design (2022) Peter Hylenski
Best Set Design (2022) Derek McLane
Best Costume Design (2022) Catherine Zuber
Best Lighting Design (2022) Justin Townsend
Best Takeover Performance (2024) Craig Ryder (Zidler)
Best West End Show (2023)

Gallery

Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical (West End) 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.
A group of performers on stage during a theatrical number from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Satine stands center stage wearing a black corseted outfit, surrounded by dancers in vibrant costumes of red, blue, and yellow. The performers are in dynamic poses, mid-routine, with subtle lighting against a dark background emphasising their movement and costumes.
A theatrical scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical West End featuring eight performers on stage. Chrisian is on the far left and Satine is on the far right. They each have a spotlight shining on them. In the background, the other performers face backwards, wearing elaborate costumes with a historical flair. The stage is lit with dramatic orange and blue lighting, and the background is filled with smoke or fog, adding to the intensity and atmosphere of the performance.
A theatrical scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical West End. Five performers are on stage, with the Christian in the centre wearing a long grey coat. Four others in dark, dramatic costumes surround him, extending their arms in expressive poses. The dark background highlights the performers and their movements.
Scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Broadway) featuring Harold Zidler center stage. He wears a red and gold ornate jacket, black and white striped pants, a top hat, and holds a cane. Surrounding him are the four Lady Ms, dressed in corsets, fishnet stockings, gloves, and feathered headpieces. The background is richly decorated with red lighting and intricate patterns.
A theatrical scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical West End. Nini is wearing a red corset and wrapped around Santiago's back while he drags her in a dramatic dance move. Both their arms are extended. The background is dimly lit.
A vibrant stage scene from Moulin Rouge! The Musical on the West End. The backdrop features a large illuminated heart with intricate designs and red lighting. Multiple performers are on stage, including dancers in colorful costumes with ruffled skirts and fishnet stockings. A central figure in formal attire holds a cane, appearing to lead the performance. The scene is lively and rich in red tones.
Credit Matt Crockett and Marc Brenner

Social Responsibility

The Bohemian Project

The Bohemian Project was launced on Broadway in 2019 as a way for Moulin Rouge! The Musical to give back to the community and share the Bohemian Values espoused in the story. This program focusses on industry development, community support, fundraising activities and expanding theatre access for underrepresented groups.

Our West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical has proudly supported a range of outreach programs, fundraising events and accessibility initiatives, including:

  • Recognising and honouring key community observances such as Pride Month and Black History Month. 
  • Live cast performances at free community events, including West End Live and Pride in London. 
  • Fundraising efforts, bucket collections, ticket donations for charity raffles, and partnerships with local organisations and small businesses to support and amplify their work. 
  • Accessibility initiatives, including BSL-interpreted and audio-described performances. 

In 2022, the production held a special gala performance in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, raising funds to help provide specialist nurses, youth support teams, and hospital units for teens and young adults undergoing cancer treatment. 

Hosted by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, the event featured exclusive auctions and the opportunity to purchase VIP tickets, which included a pre-show event and an after-party—all with proceeds going directly to the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Industry Development

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

Since its launch in 2023 at the Piccadilly Theatre, Get Technical! has become a standout initiative in theatre industry development in the West End, drawing thousands of aspiring theatre professionals and earning praise from industry leaders and participants.

The program’s immersive format and direct access to working professionals in the production has made it a benchmark for inspiring students to consider a career in technical theatre. It’s continued popularity has led to expanded offerings, including the Get Technical! Academy, bursary tickets, education group rates and plans to roll out Get Techncial! events across select venues on the World Tour. Get Technical! has been hosted at the Piccadilly Theatre each year since inception.

In 2024, Global Creatures teamed up with ATG Entertainment West End Creative Learning to launch the Get Technical! Academy with Moulin Rouge! The Musical—a free, 10-week immersive technical program designed for 15- to 25-year-olds. 

Participants met weekly for hands-on training from Heads of Departments and industry pros, diving into the world of lighting, sound, automation, stage management, and stage crew operations. Throughout the program, they gained a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a Tony Award-winning production. Those over 18 had the option to extend their learning with an additional week focused on the essential soft skills needed to launch a career in technical theatre. 

To be the first to hear about future UK Get Technical! events, Academy applications, and news about Moulin Rouge! The Musical in the West End sign up to the email database here.

KEY DATES

2021

12 November - Previews began, giving West End audiences their first look at Moulin Rouge! The Musical on stage.

2021

8 December - The season officially began with a spectacular opening night performance.

2023

10 August - The first instalment of Get Technical! – Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical invited audiences backstage for a unique look at the production.

2024

2 July - The Get Technical! Academy launched — a free 10-week immersive technical programme for 15–25-year-olds.

2025

15 July - The third instalment of Get Technical! – Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical continued to inspire the next generation of theatre professionals.

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