The new Australian company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been unveiled, with three performers announced to lead the Tony Award-winning production when it returns to Sydney next year.
Rising star Erin Clare will take on the role of Satine, the sparkling diamond at the heart of the Moulin Rouge. Clare’s musical theatre credits include Beetlejuice, We Will Rock You and Heathers: The Musical.
“Satine is one of those roles you dream about,” Clare said. “She’s dazzling and powerful, but underneath the diamonds and glamour there’s this incredible vulnerability and a woman fighting for the freedom to choose her own life.”
Joining her as Christian, the idealistic young bohemian who falls hopelessly in love with the Moulin Rouge’s greatest star, is Nigel Huckle. His leading roles include Chris in Miss Saigon and Tony in West Side Story, alongside the international tour of Les Misérables.
“Christian is a role that I really resonate with because he’s an optimist like me,” Huckle said. “He arrives in Paris fully invested in these bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom and love, and then suddenly finds himself living all of them.”
Reuben Kaye steps into a new role
In a casting choice set to show audiences a completely different side to one of Australia’s most distinctive entertainers, 2026 Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Reuben Kaye will step into the iconic role of Harold Zidler, the larger-than-life impresario and master of ceremonies at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Known for his razor-sharp wit, outrageous comedy and unmistakable stage presence, Kaye will leave his cabaret act behind as he steps inside one of musical theatre’s most spectacular productions.
“Zidler is an absolute gift of a role,” Kaye said. “He’s outrageous, cheeky, hilarious and completely in command of this extraordinary world, but underneath all of that spectacle there’s real heart and humanity. I think people who know my work might think they know what I’m going to do with him. I’m very excited to show them another side to me.”
The full company
The three leads join an ensemble assembled from more than 2,300 submissions and over 500 auditions held across six weeks of open calls earlier this year.
Ben Hall will portray The Duke of Monroth, Tim Omaji returns as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Tyler Chapman takes on the role of Santiago and Thalia Smith will play Nini. The production’s Lady M’s are still to be revealed.
Global Creatures CEO and producer Carmen Pavlovic said the calibre of artists reflected the depth of talent in Australia. “Erin Clare and Nigel Huckle are two outstanding musical theatre talents and together they bring the passion, vulnerability and undeniable chemistry at the centre of this great love story. Reuben Kaye is a singular talent and one of Australia’s most captivating live performers.”
Tickets and booking
Moulin Rouge! The Musical opens at Sydney Lyric in March 2027. Tickets are on sale now for performances from 9 March to 30 May 2027, starting from $89 with no additional booking fees.
Groups of 10 or more can reserve tickets now and pay later, with savings of $30 or more per ticket on selected seats for selected performances. Contact (Re)Group on (08) 6383 9828, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Book at moulinrougemusical.com.au
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