Exclusive first look: Secret Cinema turns East London into Montmarte for Moulin Rouge! edition
An old warehouse in east London has been transformed into Montmartre in Paris for Secret Cinema’s most ambitious performance yet — an immersive screening of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 blockbuster Moulin Rouge!.
The Standard was given an exclusive glimpse of final rehearsals for the production, which begins today, Valentine’s Day.
It is themed around the love story starring Nicole Kidman as a cabaret star who falls in love with poor writer Christian (Ewan McGregor).
Before the show, guests are sent an invitation detailing what character they must come dressed as — be it a corset-wearing dancer draped in feather boas inspired by Kidman’s Satine, a writer like Christian, or a Moulin Rouge guest dressed up in a suit and top hat.
They are asked to gather at a Tube station, the name of which is only disclosed at a certain time. They will be met by ushers who lead them back in time to the glamour of Belle Époque Paris.
Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall said it is its most advanced extravaganza yet, with 80,000 people due to take part until the end of April.
Moulin Rouge! at Secret Cinema
Elements of the musical will unfold in surroundings which took months to plan, then the film will be shown. Tickets, from £49, are available at secretcinema.org
