Moulin Scrooge! An Adults Only Panto (Chapel Off Chapel) – musical theatre review

Drag star Trevor Ashley et al slay it in a riotously funny show that derives its conceit from Baz Luhrmann’s jukebox musical Moulin Rouge! The setting has moved from the Parisian cabaret club to the Moulin Beige in Kings Cross, run by Astrid Zeneca (with legendary Carlotta in the role). Here, the star is not Satine, but the sickly rough diamond Satôn (pronounced “sat on”), played by Ashley.

The Cross is changing and developers are moving in in increasing numbers, with the Moulin Beige – which opened in 1920 – in financial distress. Looking to capitalise on the Bohemian lifestyle is a naïve, handsome wannabe from Logan in Queensland, You-in McGregor (Jarrod Moore). Upon his arrival, the 23-year-old, who dreams of writing the great Australian musical, meets and befriends artist Tooloose Lautrec (Hayden Baum).

The pair heads for the Moulin Beige, where You-in is captivated by Satôn. At the same time, the wicked and wealthy British Duke of York (Alex Given) has come to our shores, looking to buy King’s Cross and cash in. That includes bankrupting the Moulin Beige. He approaches Astrid Zeneca under false pretences, who words up Satôn. Suddenly the latter has two men chasing him.

In the meantime, knowing full well that it will be a flop, the Duke agrees to fund You-In’s hastily written musical. Titled Baby Whale (think Nicole Kidman’s recent film Babygirl), it will star Satôn. What starts out as an intended lavish production quickly devolves to a two man endeavour on the cheap. If that isn’t bad enough, Satôn is having artistic differences with the director, Getawig (think Greta Gerwig, the director of the film Barbie).

Moulin Scrooge! is a hoot from start to finish, a brilliant, laugh aloud night of entertainment. It is clever, creative and caustic, bawdy, bold and belligerent, with umpteen contemporary theatrical and political references that continue to enliven proceedings. In short, you are in for a real treat. The talent, led by Ashley, is awesome. Each brings their A game to great effect.

Musically, they are really potent, individually and collectively. Ashley knocks it out of the park with vocal dexterity. Carlotta is an ageless Madonna-like figure (after singing I’m Still Here she receives and richly deserves a standing ovation). There is velvety beauty in the tone Moore brings to bear. Much of the humour is drawn from the bastardisation of familiar pop songs and show tunes that are liberally scattered throughout. On occasion, they are full numbers, but often just a line or two. Think Moulin Rouge! on steroids.

The performers sing, dance, pout and pontificate with alacrity. They have so much fun with the material (the double entendres are plentiful), which translates to audience delight. Act I ends with a phenomenal medley of song, a duet from Ashley and Moore. I also loved Ashley’s asides, that form part of his shtick. And the hot bods of the three younger members of the company, who at first appear bare chested in sexy, barely there get ups, set the tone early.

The Chapel theatre is set up cabaret style, with eight small round tables, with four seated around each, up front, surrounding a catwalk stage. Behind that is traditional tiered seating. What struck me immediately upon entry was the red, heart-shaped centrepiece on stage, with a striking red and black backdrop. To the left is a piano and to the right a large elephant prop (gags about which form part of the offering). The lighting design adds to the aura, while the sound mix is spot on, each word readily understood.

Not to put too fine a point on it, this is the best panto I have seen … by a stretch. Huge plaudits to writers Ashley and Phil Scott. Moulin Scrooge! sets a high bar (pun intended) and maintains it. It is playing at Chapel Off Chapel until 13th April, 2025.

Alex First

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• Gilligan’s Island: The Musical (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
• Lucky Stiff (Chapel Off Chapel) – musical theatre review
• Urinetown: The Musical (Chapel Off Chapel) – theatre review