Moulin Scrooge!

Theatregoers who enjoyed Trevor Ashley’s hilarious parodies The Body Bag & The Lyin’ Queen should not miss his upcoming Christmas pantomime Moulin Scrooge!, which he describes as a ‘piss take’ on everybody’s favourite Baz Luhrmann’s movie/musical Moulin Rouge!

“I play Saton a showgirl from King’s Cross whose strip club is in danger of closing and she’s trying to do anything she can to keep the club open. She falls in love with a young composer named You-In McGregor who just wants to get his new musical heard at the Hayes Theatre and then the Duke of York shows up to invest in my new production. Naturally a love triangle develops.”

The multi-talented Ashley not only stars as the ever gorgeous Saton but he’s also credited as producer, director, co-writer, and set designer.

This show is aptly described as an adult’s only pantomime. “It doesn’t matter where you sit as I’ll pick on everybody!” laughed Ashley.

“The costumes are simply gorgeous. Carlotta who plays the role of club-owner Astrid Zeneca is wearing all the feathers in the world. I have five costume changes during the show and I’m quite excited. In the opening scene I’ll be wearing my black and silver corset with feather bustles.”

When asked whether this panto would have a giant penis on stage as did his previous show, The Lyin’ Queen, Ashley laughingly responded, “No penises this time! The only penises are attached to actual people!”

And what’s it like working with Carlotta? “I just love her! I mean she’s a legend and the fact that I get to call her my dear friend and am able to work with her in my new show is amazing! She will bring all that wealth of experience and humour into the show, and she’s a fabulous singer so will also be singing a few numbers.”

Ashley describes his style of humour in this show as very naughty and less pop culture than The Lyin’ Queen was and also delves more into the story itself.

“It includes all the panto stuff with plenty of local references. It’s a very Sydney centric show and we reference everywhere in King’s Cross and Potts Point. The gags will be updated in performances depending on what happens in the local areas daily.”

More importantly, will Saton be equally as seductive and gorgeous as the heroines in his previous two productions? “As a part time sex worker she certainly thinks she is so I hope she will be! Her personality will be the same as the others, they’re never any different – she’s an absolute bitch and I think Baz would actually enjoy it!”

When asked whether Baz Luhrmann may receive an invitation to opening night he was quick to respond.

“Definitely and if he attends, I’ll welcome him with open arms. I think there are many elements in this show that he could have learnt something from!”

Ultimately, the question on everyone’s mind is, will Saton and You-In McGregor get hot and sweaty under the bed sheets? “Well yes! And of course we get to do a parody of the old elephant love melody from the movie but ours is much dirtier!”

This pantomime should appeal to all audiences who enjoy a good laugh. “It’ll be a fun Xmas party show so bring your friends, have some drinks, and laugh at all the ridiculous stuff. It’s a great madcap show for anybody who loves Moulin Rouge! or anybody who hates Moulin Rouge! – either way you’ll love this show!”

December 1 – 18.

Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale

www.seymourcentre.com