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From Silver Screen to Stage: John Logan Brings the Magic of Moulin Rouge! to Dublin
The acclaimed screenwriter and playwright discusses adapting Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film for the stage,and his personal connection to the upcoming Dublin run.
The collaborative spirit of storytelling is paramount in showbiz. Without writers, the narratives that captivate audiences and launch stars simply wouldn’t exist. John Logan, the award-winning screenwriter and playwright behind the stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!, embodies this truth. Despite a glittering career spanning film and theatre, logan maintains a grounded perspective, acknowledging the essential role of the creative team. “It’s a funny oul’ world, showbiz,” he observed.
Logan’s extraordinary filmography includes screenwriting credits for critically acclaimed and commercially accomplished films such as Gladiator (2000), The Aviator (2004), Hugo (2011), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), and the James Bond installments Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). He has received three Academy Award nominations and has been honored with a Tony Award and a Golden Globe. Currently, he is developing a biopic on Michael Jackson.
However, it is Moulin Rouge! The Musical that currently occupies his focus. the stage adaptation,which premiered in 2018,has become a Broadway and West End sensation,and is now embarking on a world tour,with a highly anticipated stop at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from November 20,2025,to January 11,2026.
Luhrmann’s 2001 film moulin Rouge!, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, was a cinematic explosion of color, music, and romance. Adapting such a visually and aurally rich work for the stage presented a unique set of challenges. “The movie is so iconic, so beloved,” Logan explained. “The first thing we said was, ‘We’re not trying to recreate the movie. We’re trying to capture the spirit of the movie.'”
The creative team, lead by director Alex Timbers, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. “Alex is a brilliant director,” Logan praised.”He has a real vision for spectacle, but also for intimacy. He understood that the heart of the story is the love affair between christian and Satine.” The production team included Sonya Tayeh’s vibrant choreography, Justin Townsend’s lighting design, and stunning costumes by Cathy Zubru.
The musical also features a reimagined soundtrack, incorporating songs not present in the original film. the selection process was a collaborative effort. “We locked ourselves in a hotel room in New York for two days, with music,” Logan recalled. “I had note cards with the plot and we slotted in songs. We tried different songs in different places.” Justin Levine’s encyclopedic knowledge of music proved invaluable in crafting the show’s signature mash-ups, such as the iconic “Elephant Love Medley.”
While maintaining the core elements of the film was crucial, the stage adaptation also allowed for creative liberties. “There were certain things… we made a list of things that we had to have. Certain elements of the movie that are iconic.Things we had to respect. In the second half, things get very different. We had to be more inventive in the things we were doing.”
Logan’s own journey to success is a testament to hard work and a deep appreciation for the arts. Raised by irish parents in Belfast,he credits his upbringing with fostering a love for literature and storytelling. “I do relish a challenge,” he said. “I face the blinking cursor every day, so I’m up for a challenge.” He also emphasized the importance of his heritage. “My parents came from belfast. And so I was raised with literature and poetry, and Shakespeare, from when I was very young. And that is something that has stayed with me.”
The Dublin run of Moulin Rouge! The Musical holds a especially special significance for Logan,who spent three years filming the television series Penny Dreadful in Ardmore Studios and living in Merrion Square. “It’s going to be a great homecoming for me to go back,” he shared. “I haven’t been back in a couple of years – and to see Moulin Rouge! With this great international company.” He plans to attend the opening night at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, alongside his husband’
