Make a day out of 'Moulin Rouge!' in London

Make your trip to this spectacular West End musical even more memorable by adding in a trip to a world-famous art gallery, an airborne adventure, and a delicious French meal.

You can-can-can have an unforgettable night of bohemian entertainment in the West End now that Baz Luhrmann’s legendary movie Moulin Rouge! has become an equally spectacular stage musical. Like the film, it juxtaposes a romance set in 19th-century Paris between cabaret star Satine and aspiring composer Christian with modern pop music – in fact, the show boasts more than 70 songs in total!

Make your trip even better by enjoying some of the other fabulous pleasures that London has to offer, from art galleries and delicious cuisine to a landmark that will remind you of that famous Moulin Rouge windmill. Just remember: it’s all about truth, beauty, freedom, and love.

Book Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

National Gallery

The story takes place at an exciting moment for culture in Europe, with a veritable revolution in art thanks to the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Luhrmann’s movie, and the stage show, reference that in both style and form – plus artist Toulouse-Lautrec becomes a character in the drama who befriends newcomer Christian.

See some of the gorgeous work created by the real Toulouse-Lautrec, along with other extraordinary French artists of the period, including Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Renoir and Seurat, at London’s National Gallery. Its permanent collection is the perfect entrée for Moulin Rouge!.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N

Price: Free

London Eye

One of the joys of the Moulin Rouge! musical is that it completely immerses you in this decadent world – exactly how Christian feels as he experiences the club’s heady sensory overload. There’s even a giant elephant and windmill in the theatre boxes: it’s like you’ve stepped right into the movie.

While you can’t actually dance in the clouds, as the smitten lovers Christian and Satine do, you can definitely take your own airborne adventure, and enjoy another famous landmark, by heading to the London Eye. This striking observation wheel gives you incredible views over the city as you journey round in sleek capsules.

Address: Riverside Building, London SE1

Price: £

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Tower of London

Satine is described as the club’s “sparkling diamond” thanks to her glamorous beauty and charismatic performances, and she makes an unforgettable entrance in the show singing a medley that includes “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”.

Check out London’s own precious rocks by heading to the Tower of London, the medieval fortress that is home to the Crown Jewels. There are more than 100 royal objects on display (featuring 23,000 gemstones!), including the crown that is used during the coronation and the Sovereign’s Orb.

Address: Tower Hill, London EC3N

Price: £

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Cabaret

There’s nothing quite like the illicit thrill of entering a clandestine nightclub and discovering all the scandalous fun taking place behind closed doors. That certainly fuels the liberated paradise that is the Moulin Rouge, where aristocrats come to party with showgirls, breaking all the rules in the process.

If you want a double dose of burlesque hedonism, why not add another matinee or evening show to your London trip and head over to Cabaret. This award-winning immersive production has transformed the entire Playhouse Theatre into the Kit Kat Club, including a special pre-show entertainment.

Address: Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N

Price: ££

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V&A

Part of the fun of Moulin Rouge! is identifying all the iconic pop songs packed into its teeming medleys – artists as diverse as Lorde, David Bowie, Madonna, Elton John, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, the Rolling Stones, Adele, the Police, and Lady Gaga. It’s testament to the talented cast that they can handle every single style with aplomb.

Continue your musical and artistic exploration at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A), which holds David Bowie’s extensive archive – from costumes and instruments to handwritten letters – and photographs from Elton John’s personal collection, among many other treasures.

Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7

Price: Free

Brasserie Zédel

All of that culture will make you peckish, and in honour of Moulin Rouge!, you should choose a spot with splendid décor, a traditional French menu, elegant bars, and a cabaret space. Brasserie Zédel is the clear winner – plus it’s right opposite the Piccadilly Theatre, so no need to rush your pre-theatre dinner.

Zédel’s main brasserie space is a magnificent Art Deco hall, but this sublime extravagance is actually paired with a rather good-value prix-fixe menu (three courses for just under £20). Or you can splash out on oysters, cheese soufflé, cassoulet, steak frites, and crème brûlée.

Address: Sherwood Street, London W1F

Price: ££

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Finally, it’s time for the glittering climax to your visit: a trip to the sizzling West End production of Moulin Rouge!. This hit musical adaptation of the classic movie opened on Broadway in 2019, winning 10 Tony Awards, and has been a favourite of London audiences since it began performances here in 2022.

Get wrapped up in the epic love story of Christian and Satine, cheer on budding composer Christian and his new bohemian friends as they create a spectacular show, and meet colourful characters like club owner Harold Zidler, the wealthy but controlling Duke of Monroth, and the electrifying dancers of the Moulin Rouge.

Book Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets on London Theatre.