Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London: what to know before you go

Planning a night at Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London? Here is the practical side of the visit, from how long the show runs and who it suits to dress code, seating and access performances, all taken from the production's own official information.

See dates and tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

What is Moulin Rouge! The Musical about?

The musical is set in Paris in 1899, in a world of bohemians and aristocrats, boulevardiers and reprobates. It is the story of Christian, a lovesick American writer, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. When their lives collide at the club they fall hopelessly in love, but they are thwarted by Harold Zidler, the club's host and impresario, and by the Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine.

With his bohemian friends, the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago, the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win Satine's heart. We will leave the rest for the night itself.

The stage version is based on Baz Luhrmann's film, which premiered at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival and went on to eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, winning two. On stage the story is remixed for today in a new musical mash up extravaganza.

Who is in the current London cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

The current West End company is led by Karis Anderson as Satine and Alistair Brammer as Christian, with James Doherty as Harold Zidler and Daniel Fraser as the Duke. Richard Lloyd King plays Toulouse-Lautrec and Ivan De Freitas plays Santiago, with Lindsey Tierney as Nini, Nick Len as Baby Doll, Billie-Kay as Arabia, Athena Collins as La Chocolat and Angela Marie Hurst as Alternate Satine. We covered the company's arrival in our report on the new London cast.

Who created the stage version of Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

The show is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with a book by Tony Award winner John Logan, choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine. Sets are by Derek McLane, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Justin Townsend and sound by Peter Hylenski. It is produced by Global Creatures, and the production has now been seen by more than 14 million people across 16 productions worldwide.

Where is Moulin Rouge! The Musical playing in London?

The musical plays at the Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY, just off Piccadilly Circus in the heart of the West End. The nearest Tube station is Piccadilly Circus, a short walk away. For the show the auditorium has been transformed into a world of splendour and romance, of eye popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory, so it is worth taking your seat early to look around before the lights go down. The production celebrates five years in the West End this November.

How long is Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre?

The running time is 2 hours 35 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.

What time does Moulin Rouge! The Musical start?

Evening performances run Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. From 11 January 2027 the schedule changes: Monday and Tuesday evenings start at 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday evenings stay at 7.30pm, and the Thursday and Saturday matinees stay at 2.30pm.

Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical suitable for children?

The show is recommended for ages 12 and over. Children under 12 can be admitted at the discretion of a parent or guardian, but under 5s are not allowed in the venue at all.

Does Moulin Rouge! The Musical have special effects to be aware of?

Yes. The production uses flashing lights, strobe lighting, fog and loud bangs, and firearms appear on stage.

Is there a dress code for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

No. You are welcome to dress up for the occasion or come as you are.

Can I leave bags and coats at the Piccadilly Theatre?

The cloakroom only takes large suitcases. Coats and small bags can go under your seat. The bars, lounges and auditorium are fully air conditioned, and the bars open 90 minutes before the show.

What are the onstage seats at Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

The Can Can seats are tables at the front of the stalls, very close to the stage and surrounded on all sides by the action.

How far ahead can I book Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

For current performance dates, see our Moulin Rouge! The Musical page. The official mailing list sends periodic updates so you know when new weeks go on sale. The production says best availability is Monday to Thursday. The current extension takes the run to July 2027, which we covered in our report on the extension and fifth anniversary.

When do tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical arrive?

You get a booking confirmation straight away, and the e ticket is sent two weeks before the performance.

Can I change my date for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

Tickets are non refundable as standard. Depending on where you booked, an exchange may be possible, subject to availability and an exchange fee, and it must be made at least 48 hours before the performance starts. If a performance is cancelled, your ticket provider will contact you about exchange and refund options.

Are there group rates for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

Groups of all sizes are welcome. There are group rates for parties of six or more and of ten or more, and group and education tickets are currently on sale until July 2027.

Does Moulin Rouge! The Musical have captioned, signed or audio described performances?

The next access performances are on Tuesday 1 December at 7.30pm (captioned), Tuesday 8 December at 7.30pm (British Sign Language interpreted) and Tuesday 15 December at 7.30pm (audio described). More dates are due to be announced.

How accessible is the Piccadilly Theatre for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

The theatre has several wheelchair spaces, plus seats suitable for a wheelchair user to transfer into. There is also seating suited to people with a visual impairment, and guide dogs are welcome. Accessible seats are booked through the theatre's access membership scheme or its accessibility assistance line.

Can I buy Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets as a gift?

Gift vouchers are available in any amount, arrive by email and are valid for 12 months. Souvenir ticket designs can also be printed to go with them.

Planning more West End trips? The Devil Wears Prada the Musical and Mamma Mia! are also playing in London.

Ready to go? Find dates and tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Header image: Johan Persson