The iconic Paris cabaret has come to Londons West End and its a sexy, lavish world of hedonism (Picture: Daniel Lynch)<\/p>\n
Were there a category at next weeks Olivier Awards for the post-lockdown showthat offered the public the best escapism, Moulin Rouge! would be a slam-dunk. <\/p>\n
The stage version of Baz Luhrmanns 2001 film stuns the moment you walk into the Piccadilly Theatre. This show doesnt so much as have a set as exult in a sexy, lavish world conjuring the hedonism of Pariss renowned pleasure palace. <\/p>\n
However, because there is no Best escapism award at the Oliviers this production has to settle for the five categories for which it has been nominated: Best New Musical, Best Actor In A Supporting Role In A Musical, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography and Best Design.<\/p>\n
This last one recreates the real Moulin Rouges iconic follies of the architectural kind. They tower over the audience like great mirages: a windmill on one side of the theatre and a giant blue elephant emerging from the royal box on the other.<\/p>\n
They are not really necessary, says laid-back Tony Award-winning designer Derek McLane from his New York studio. <\/p>\n
But theyre fun. They are part of that insane environment, which makes the audience feel like members of this crazy club for the evening.<\/p>\n
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Turning the theatre into a cabaret club where, as top-hatted host Harold Zidler (Olivier-nominated Clive Carter) puts it, all are welcome no matter what your desires, has entailed draping walls in 800sq m of red velvet and the cast in 300costumes. <\/p>\n
Satines diamond corset has 8,600 hand-placed rhinestones. It is worn by the casually glamorous Los Angeles-born Liisi LaFontaine when her Satine (Nicole Kidmans role in the movie) makes her spectacular entrance, gracefully descending from the ceiling on a spindly swing. <\/p>\n
First, she must leg it backstage to the top of the building. Company manager Anthony Field describes the route: Liisi has to run all the way through the bowels of the building, out a side exit around the front (with a golf umbrella if the weather is gross) up the road<\/p>\n
I have to put on extra layers so people cant see the costume, adds Liisi. into another side exit, continues Anthony, up a gantry, then a tiny flight of stairs She then gets changed at the top.<\/p>\n
Liisi has her own entourage everywhere she goes backstage, explains Anthony. Verity is head of wigs and make-up, Beth handles sound and mics and there is Chloe who is Liisis personal dresser. <\/p>\n
The team, dressed in black with headphones, follows the star everywhere. If I need little water sips, or need a cough drop, they provide, says Liisi. <\/p>\n
But Anthony still hasnt finished the route to the top of the building: then up a cat ladder, then shes in the hands of the automation team. <\/p>\n
With all these cameras its like NASA, making sure we dont open the trap door when Liisis standing there. Shes very brave. Its really scary up there.<\/p>\n
We have a rule that once shes clipped we dont touch that harness until Liisi unclips herself, says Josh Colenutt, automation deputy head. When I first started the job it was terrifying, says Liisi. <\/p>\n
The swing is just over the trap door and Im just kind of dangling up there. Liisi, who previously starred as Deena in Dreamgirls, says its a rare chance to sneakily watch the audience watching the show thats what gets me excited.<\/p>\n
One more safety check from Josh, and Liisi descends, one of the few moments she is not haring around. Its like two hours of cardio, she says. <\/p>\n
And on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are double show days, by the end of the night, Im just like, Wow. I have nothing left.<\/p>\n
Book tickets now on the Moulin Rouge website. <\/p>\n
MORE : Gemma Collins faces backlash from theatre fans and acting community as she lands stage role in Chicago The Musical<\/p>\n
MORE : Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue among celebs celebrating Moulin Rouge! as iconic musical turns 20<\/p>\n
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Behind the scenes of Moulin Rouge as the iconic show comes to London - Metro.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The iconic Paris cabaret has come to Londons West End and its a sexy, lavish world of hedonism (Picture: Daniel Lynch) Were there a category at next weeks Olivier Awards for the post-lockdown showthat offered the public the best escapism, Moulin Rouge! would be a slam-dunk. Continue reading