If we had taken too much notice of Trip Advisor (TA), we probably would have given this extravagant entertainment the flick. TA is a wonderful reference point but you do have to filter the negative reports and discard the whingers. The general consensus of TA contributors is that the Moulin Rouge is an expensive night out for what is a mediocre meal and slightly tacky show. But when in Paris……… The Moulin Rouge is an institution in this city and something that some of us just have to experience so we went the “full hog” and booked the dinner and show.
The nightclub was ideally situated just down the road from our “Cosy Little Apartment in Montmartre” and it took all of 5 minutes to walk past the Porno Supermarket, live sex shows and other well-patronised establishments to join the queue of ticket holders. We were seated (cabaret tiered style) with Sveta and Boris (I kid you not) from Siberia and a Spanish couple, so we were set for an international evening indeed. Sveta had a little English and was thrilled that we had visited Russia. She was up for a good night which included swilling lots of champers, buying mementoes from the Moulin Rouge gift shop and posing with Boris for the professional photo. Very good company indeed.
We had opted for the three-course menu so were seated early at the best tables nearest the stage. The place holds at least 800 for dinner with the higher tiers of tables set aside for the cheapskates attending the show only. The later arrivals were mostly tour groups including many Japanese, Koreans and Chinese. While we dined (and made halted conversation with the Siberians) a singing duo and band performed a series of easy listening French and English songs. They were great but I have to say I was a bit unnerved because the guy looked amazingly like our late Premier, Jim Bacon, and the sax/flute player was a dead ringer for Justice Alan Blow (he with grey curly locks). The female singer looked like you Linda Mc (if you are reading this.
The performances by the gorgeous dancing girls and energetic boys were interspersed with other entertainments: a juggler, three acrobats with a gangster routine, and a ventriloquist with a live dog that managed to open its mouth at exactly the right moment for its master to “throw his voice”.
One of the highlights was the transformation of the raised section of stage into a real swimming pool complete with aquatic pythons. One of the lovely ladies dived in and proceeded to swim with the snakes…… breathtaking especially from up close as we were.
It was non-stop entertainment and we were surprised that we really enjoyed the show and were very glad that we’d persisted with the dodgy online booking system and got tickets. It was a sell out as it is apparently every night. There was another show after ours starting at 11pm so the dancers certainly earn their salaries as do the waiting staff who have to ensure the 800 diners are fed and watered before 9pm when the show starts. The show has been going forever, so the staff are well practised and oh so professional.
We got frocked up for the occasion, unlike a Chinese guy in the queue in front of us. He was wearing Bermuda shorts and was told to venture up the street (hopefully not to the Porno Supermarket) to buy some long pants!
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