Spectacular
The doors opened at 6.45pm. We were both keen to go in and settle into our seats and enjoy a glass of Champagne before dinner.
We were celebrating our twenty fifth wedding anniversary, so Brian had suggested we treat ourselves to VIP seats, which are situated up a flight of stairs at the back of the theatre, directly overlooking the middle of the theatre and stage, we had such an excellent view.
The waiters were very attentive, ensuring our glass of Laurent Perrier cuvée rosé Champagne was continuously topped up. We hadn’t eaten much all day, so we were ready for our dinner, which started with ‘frivolities’ - a little tray of sushi to get the taste buds going.
The dinner was absolutely delicious, full of flavour and flair - typical of the best French gastronomic tradition. Brian had chosen turbot, and I had chosen the pintade (guinea fowl) with lobster. My cheese course was a Brie ice-cream, amazing.
Whilst we were eating dinner, and enjoying watching the audience gather below us on the ground floor, two perfect cabaret singers keeping everyone entertained, from the stage where the likes of Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli had all performed. It was all very pleasant.
With dinner now finished, and a fresh bottle of Champagne brought to our table on ice, everything was set for the show to begin. We could hear Champagne corks popping all around the room. Then came the voice of the announcer, “Can everyone please take your seats and switch off your phones, and we now ask you to refrain from taking photos“ - the greatest cabaret show in Paris was about to start.
The anticipation for me was immense, it’s a show I’d always wanted to see, the history and glamour of it so very alluring. I love all types of dance, and we were now about to see the famous Doriss girls of the Moulin Rouge. The Moulin Rouge was established in 1889 and was the result of an audacious bet. There are now 60 artists who perform in the legendary show twice every evening.
The curtain drew back and the stage, which now stretched across the width of the room, was full of gorgeous dancing and singing women and men in silver costumes covered in rhinestones and sequins. It drew you in immediately. I can only say that if you have ever wanted to see the Moulin Rouge you must go. The show was absolutely spectacular, full of surprises throughout, and rather a lot of feathers. The singing was spot on, the costumes (what there was of them) were exquisite, the acrobatic acts had you on the edge of your seat, and the Cancan, one of the worlds most iconic dances, brought a tear to my eye. The women in their red white and blue frilly dresses, performing their high kicks and flicks and shouting out their shrill screeches of pure joy, were mesmerising. It was all just perfect.
