Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary movie-musical will be coming to life on stage at the Piccadilly Theatre from 12 November in the spectacular spectacular Moulin Rouge! The Musical. As if we weren’t ecstatic enough, the Broadway production recently won a showstopping 10 Tony Awards, adding to the excitement.
The high-kicking musical – which centres on the ever-growing love between Christian, an aspiring writer and Satine, a cabaret performer – features 75 songs from different styles and genres. From Tina Turner and David Bowie to Beyonce and Sting, this thrilling spectacle promises to awaken your senses with its visual and musical delights.
With just over a month to go, we’re taking a look at who will be starring in this hotly anticipated production. From Olivier Award winners to West End newcomers, let’s find out more about the dazzling cast!
Satine – Liisi LaFontaine
Joe Aaron Reid and Liisi LaFontaine in Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre. Photo by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
Leading the West End musical in the role of Satine, dancer and courtesan, is Liisi LaFontaine. Having starred as Deena in Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre in 2016, Liisi is no stranger to the West End stage but many of you may also recognise her as a finalist on NBC’s vocal game show, The Winner where she formed part of singing duo, The LaFontaines, alongside her mother.
Across the pond, Liisi has starred in various productions in L.A and San Diego including Fly (La Jolla Playhouse) and Rent (Skylight Theater) along with Disneyland productions. We can’t wait to see Liisi in the West End again as the sparkling diamond at the heart of Moulin Rouge.
Christian – Jamie Bogyo
Liisi LaFontaine and Jamie Bogyo. Photo by Jay Brooks
RADA graduate Jamie Bogyo will be making his professional stage debut as Christian; the writer of the play, Spectacular Spectacular and Satine’s lover – could there be a more iconic role for a West End debut?
During his training at RADA, Jamie performed in a number of productions including Into The Woods as Rapunzel’s Prince. We’re thrilled to be welcoming Jamie to the West End and can’t wait to witness his interpretation of Baz Luhrmann’s famous protagonist.
Harold Zidler – Clive Carter
Clive Carter. Photo by Helen Maybanks
Olivier Award nominee Clive Carter will play the legendary Moulin Rouge impresario, Harold Zidler, owner of the Moulin Rouge, when the musical opens in the West End in November.
Clive is a West End fave having starred in a number of classic productions including Wicked (as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz), The Phantom Of The Opera (as Raoul), Les Misérables (as Bamatabois/Chain Gang/Grantaire/Javert in the original cast) and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, just to name a few. He’s also appeared on the small screen with roles in EastEnders and in the feature film The Da Vinci Code.
Having played the incredibly important role of Claude, Mayor of Gander in Come From Away (and subsequently receiving an Olivier Award nomination for his performance), we are eager to see Clive bring this outgoing and bold character to life.
The Duke – Simon Bailey
Simon Bailey (Ram’s Dad) with Jordan Luke Cage (JD) in Heathers The Musical rehearsals. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography
Stepping into the role of the shows infamous antagonist, The Duke, will be Simon Bailey who most recently played Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach in Heathers The Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Having performed in a number of iconic West End roles including Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera and Enjolras in Les Mis, Simon’s an expert at playing on the emotions of his character. Let’s just say, we’re certain his performance of the – selfish and sometimes vile – Duke will be no different.
Toulouse-Lautrec & Santiago – Jason Pennycooke and Elia Lo Tauro
British actor and choreographer, Jason Pennycooke will be stepping into the role of the daring Bohemian artist Toulouse-Lautrec. Jason has received multiple Olivier Award nominations for his performance as Lafayette/Jefferson in the original cast of Hamilton, Bobby Dupree in Memphis and Jacob in La Cage aux Folles.
He will be joined by Elia Lo Tauro (On Your Feet, Carousel) who will be playing Santiago, the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris! Expect to be wowed by Elia’s sensual dance moves and Jason’s award-winning acting as they bring these epic characters to life on stage.
The Lady Ms – Sophie Carmen Jones, Zoe Birkett, Jonathan Bishop & Timmika Ramsay
Jonathan Bishop in In The Heights. Photo by Johan Persson
The club’s famed entertainers known as the ‘Lady Ms’ will be played by Sophie Carmen Jones (Chicago, Jersey Boys) as Nini, Zoe Birkett (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hair) as Arabia, Jonathan Bishop (Hamilton, In the Heights) as Baby Doll and Timmika Ramsay (Cinderella, Madagascar) as La Chocolat.
You might recognise Sophie from her movie roles in Rocketman, Dark Money and most recently Cats, while Zoe was one of the youngest contestants on the first series of Pop Idol and has also been a contestant on Big Brother. We can’t wait to see the two ladies join Jonathan and Timmika in these powerhouse dynamic roles that will certainly have us moving and grooving.
Whether you’re a fan of the smash-hit film or need a little escapism, Moulin Rouge! The Musical not only honours the movie but reimagines the story with a new zest of life that is full of colour, nostalgia and pizzazz; perfect for the stage. Check out the trailer above and book your tickets to see this musical mash-up extravaganza.