Based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, which starred Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge the Musical in London is an all-singing, all-can-caning, energetic and colourful jukebox musical. With dazzling costumes, breathtaking sets and immaculate choreography, the show features all your favourite songs from the film, including “Lady Marmalade” and “Come What May”, alongside tons of other pop smash-hits.
Moulin Rouge has seduced audiences in the UK and internationally, with productions on Broadway featuring star casts including Megan Thee Stallion, Tituss Burgess, Boy George, and Bob the Drag Queen, as well as smash-hit productions in Europe, Asia and Australia. As the West End production’s 5th anniversary approaches, we’ve created a comprehensive timeline of how the show became a global sensation!
The show was workshopped for a month in New York, with Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo in the principal roles, before officially premiering in Boston in 2018.
30 October 2017
Workshopping begins in NYC.
The show was workshopped for a month in New York, with Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo in the principal roles, before officially premiering in Boston in 2018.
Moulin Rouge on Broadway officially opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, following previews in June 2019. The show was suspended 7 months later due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening in September 2021.
25 July 2019
The show opens on Broadway.
Moulin Rouge on Broadway officially opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, following previews in June 2019. The show was suspended 7 months later due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening in September 2021.
The production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards at the 73rd annual awards, winning a spectacular 10 (the most awards won at that year’s ceremony!), including Best Musical, Best Costumes and Scenery.
9 June 2019
Success at the Tonys.
The production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards at the 73rd annual awards, winning a spectacular 10 (the most awards won at that year’s ceremony!), including Best Musical, Best Costumes and Scenery.
The first Australian production opened at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, later transferring to Perth, Brisbane and Sydney in 2023.
12 November 2021
An opening for Aus.
The first Australian production opened at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, later transferring to Perth, Brisbane and Sydney in 2023.
Previews began at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, a little later than planned. The production was originally set to open in March 2021, but was delayed due to the COVID pandemic.
13 November 2021
London previews begin.
Previews began at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, a little later than planned. The production was originally set to open in March 2021, but was delayed due to the COVID pandemic.
The London production officially opened at the Piccadilly Theatre, to rave reviews.
20 January 2022
West End production officially opens.
The London production officially opened at the Piccadilly Theatre, to rave reviews.
The show was nominated for five Olivier Awards, taking home the trophy for Best Costume Design.
10 April 2022
An Olivier win for London.
The show was nominated for five Olivier Awards, taking home the trophy for Best Costume Design.
As of 2025, more than 1.1 million people have seen the production! Other non-English language productions followed in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands in 2023 and 2024.
9 November 2022
A non-English production opens in Germany.
As of 2025, more than 1.1 million people have seen the production! Other non-English language productions followed in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands in 2023 and 2024.
A South Korean production opened in Seoul, marking the Asian premiere for the show. The production ran until March 2023.
December 2022
An Asian premiere in South Korea.
A South Korean production opened in Seoul, marking the Asian premiere for the show. The production ran until March 2023.
A World Tour opened at the Edinburgh Playhouse, with dates in Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sunderland, as well as international stops in Dublin, Zurich and Singapore!
22 April 2025
The show embarks on a UK and international tour.
A World Tour opened at the Edinburgh Playhouse, with dates in Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sunderland, as well as international stops in Dublin, Zurich and Singapore!
The production celebrates four years in the West End, making it the Piccadilly Theatre’s longest-running show in the venue’s almost 100-year history!
12 November 2025
West End production makes history.
The production celebrates four years in the West End, making it the Piccadilly Theatre’s longest-running show in the venue’s almost 100-year history!
29 August 2026
Broadway takes its final bow.
The show will celebrate a spectacular-spectacular five years in the West End! Keep an eye out for news of any special anniversary celebrations!
12 November 2025
The London production turns five.
The show will celebrate a spectacular-spectacular five years in the West End! Keep an eye out for news of any special anniversary celebrations!
Moulin Rouge the Musical Tickets
Now that you’ve read our timeline and know all about the show’s history, are you ready to become a fully fledged member of the Moulin Rouge? Book your tickets to Moulin Rouge in London today and become a part of the production’s future!
SeatPlan has over 7,000 real user-uploaded reviews for the Piccadilly Theatre seating plan, featuring photos and ratings for comfort, legroom and view, so you can make sure your seats are spectacular-spectacular before you book!
Share Your Moulin Rouge London Memories
Have you already seen the show? Well, you can tell everybody… exactly what you think! Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on Moulin Rouge in London.
Originally published on Aug 21, 2026
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