“We love Sunderland,” say the stars of Moulin Rouge as they shimmy on the Empire stage for a bumper run.

The glamour, passion and sequins of the Moulin Rouge has transformed the Sunderland Empire stage as the musical makes its North East debut on its world tour.

Moulin Rouge the musical world tour run at the Sunderland Empire Theatre featuring Verity Thompson as Satine and Nate Landskroner as Christian. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Moulin Rouge the musical world tour run at the Sunderland Empire Theatre featuring Verity Thompson as Satine and Nate Landskroner as Christian. | Sunderland Echo

Sunderland is one of the few theatres in the country large enough to accommodate the Moulin Rouge tour as it brings to life Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film in a new musical mash up.

After opening on June 5, the show is transporting audiences to the high-kicking, skirt-shaking world of Paris’ iconic cabaret club in 1899.

Stepping into the glitter stilettos of showgirl Satine, a role made famous by Nicole Kidman, is Verity Thompson.

Speaking about the response from audiences so far, she said: “It’s been excellent. They’ve been respectful, but also they’ve been on their feet every single night. We love Sunderland.”

The glamour of the Moulin Rouge is in Sunderland until June 27 | Sunderland Echo

At her side is Nate Landskroner as lovesick American writer Christian, played by Ewan McGregor in the 2001 film.

As in the film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical spans the decades with its music, from Offenbach to Lady Gaga.

The musical features more than 70 iconic songs, many from the movie, as well as recent hits released since the hit premiered over 20 years ago.

“If you’re a fan of the film, you can expect a lot of iconic moments from the Baz Luhrmann film - with a few twists,” said Nate.

“If you’re a musical fan, but have never heard of the film, there’s absolutely something in there for you. There will be songs you’ve heard a million times on the radio, as well as songs you may never have heard of.”

Speaking about his favourite scene, the actor said: “We do the end of act one, which is a lovely medley of 25 / 30 songs that everyone in this audience will probably know and it’s wonderful to do every night - it’s spectacular and fun.”

Verity added: “My favourite is the opening. As soon as you see it, you’re transported into this world of colour and lights and costumes and dancing and music. It’s just fantastic.”

*Moulin Rouge! The Musical is at Sunderland Empire until June 27.