We’re absolutely obsessed with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. After seeing it light up the West End, we’ve been counting down the days until its glittering arrival in Dublin, and with Verity Thompson stepping into the role of Satine, the excitement has officially peaked. From flying in covered in over 2,000 hand-sewn crystals (yes, really!) to mastering 40-second costume changes, Verity is bringing serious glamour, heart, and sparkle to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this festive season.
In fact, stepping into Satine’s glittering heels still feels like a dream come true for the musical theatre actress. “I couldn’t quite believe it,” she admits. “Moulin Rouge was one of my favourite films growing up, so when I got that call saying I’d got the part, I had to pinch myself, and seven months in, I still do!” Bringing her own sparkle to the role, Verity wanted to make Satine her own rather than simply mirror Nicole Kidman’s iconic performance, although she still looks to the actress for inspiration all the same. “I really wanted to step into the shoes of Nicole Kidman and what she has carved out, but also bring an element of Verity to the character,” she explains. “You have to bring a bit of yourself.” Between flying in from the ceiling, draped in a gown covered in crystals and managing lightning-fast costume changes, she’s every bit the dazzling diamond at the heart of the Moulin Rouge.
Set in the glittering world of 1899 Paris, Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film to life with over 70 chart-topping hits, from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The story follows Christian, a lovesick writer, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, as they fall head over heels in a whirlwind of romance, rebellion and pure spectacle. Surrounded by bohemians, aristocrats and the ever-watchful Harold Zidler, the pair fight to save the Moulin Rouge and their love in true spectacular style.
Between the costumes, soundtrack and choreography, the stage adaptation is nothing short of spectacular, and for Verity, it’s all perfectly captured within her opening sequence. “I come in bending from the sky in this beautiful gown, and that itself is just, I can’t believe I’m doing it,” she admits. “My opening number is such a pinch-me moment, while the set and costumes are incredible. I’m singing absolute bangers, dancing with the best dancers I’ve ever seen in my whole entire life. You can’t really top it.”
Being the powerhouse that Satine is, it’s no surprise Verity has picked up a few lessons from the character after seven months in her heels. Strong yet fragile, Satine carries what Verity fondly describes as a kind of “mama energy,” always protective of those around her. “I think I’ve taken that on a bit as a person, really. Learning to be a powerful, knowing who you are, kind of woman. And fight for what you believe in.” That strength and vulnerability are mirrored in her on-stage relationship with Nate Landskroner’s Christian, where their connection feels completely natural. A reflection, Verity says, of the real friendship they share off-stage.“With a role like that and the journey you go through together, where you go through the highest highs and the lowest lows, it requires a lot of trust in a person. And we most definitely have that. I feel very safe with him. It’s a partner in crime,” she adds.
Whilst the show is famous for its epic mash-ups, if Verity could sneak in one more song for Satine, there’s no hesitation; it would have to be Alone by Heart. “Definitely Alone,” she grins, before breaking into the iconic line: ‘Til now, I always got by on my own, I never really cared until I met you!’ And honestly? It’s the perfect Satine anthem. “I would love that,” she laughs. “I think selfishly because I just like to sing it.” And speaking of magical moments, Verity can’t wait to bring all that sparkle to Dublin this festive season. She’s toured here before, and is quick to call Ireland her favourite venue on the road. “We’ve got a lot of international alumni on the road with us. From Australia to Japan, and they’re all very excited for Dublin. I’ve definitely talked it up a lot!”
For Verity, spending the holidays on the road doesn’t feel like being away from home at all. Surrounded by her cast-family, sharing meals, and keeping little pieces of home close, she’s found a way to make the season feel warm and familiar. “We’ll all muck in and make some food together.” And she keeps a little piece of home close by: “I have pictures in my dressing room, so I always have a bit of home with me. I’m also very excited to have a different, cosy Christmas in Dublin. It feels like something out of a lovely film,” she smiles. “And as soon as I get there, my Christmas tree’s going up too!”
With Moulin Rouge! about to light up the stage, Verity sums it up in one word: “Extravaganza,” she grins. “With all the glitter, the glamour, and the magic of the show, it’s going to be the perfect Christmas show, and I honestly can’t wait for audiences to see it!”
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL will run at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 20 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.