*****

Wow. The most spectacular stage musical I have ever seen.

The most expensive theatre ticket I have ever bought- for the most lavish production that I have ever seen. there is probably an equivalence there. Could the zany opulence of Baz Luhrmanns’ 2001 film be realised on stage? yes!

Hurst St was transformed into Montmartre and the Pigalle as this surreal spectacular unfolded. I hd worried that it would be impossible to translate the gaudy phantasmagoria of the film onto stage. Those fears were not realised, instead we re presented with an in person three dimension version.

Cameron Blakely is outstanding as the lecherous, lascivious, louche master of ceremonies Harold Zidler. Verity Thompson is divine as courtesan and leading lady Satine. James Bryers excels as the Duke in a very comely lilac suit. Nate Landskroner is the alternative male love suitor and possesses an outstanding voice, not least on “Your song” one of three big set piece numbers, the other being the opening “lady marmalade” oozing sex and attitude, and a stunning “Bad Romance” with a choreographed Sony Tayeh routine which Lady Ga Ga herself would do well to copy.

All told there are over seventy songs, 160 songwriters and thirty music publishers all of whom require royalties.

Director Alex Timbers draws the magic together. Catherine Zuber’s costumes are magnificent, saucy and skimpy