Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Jochan Embley

Mulan Rouge: Immersive dining experience fuses Disney classic and Baz Luhrmann musical

Glam and armour: The event will also feature a four-course meal inspired by French and Asian cuisines

(Picture: Laurence Howe)

It’s the mash-up you didn’t know you needed: a Disney adaptation of Chinese folklore meets the tale of a Parisian cabaret, with the added bonus of a four-course feast and plenty of cocktails. Granted, a bit of a head spinner.

The latest immersive production to be hosted at The Vaults in Waterloo is the punnily named Mulan Rouge, taking inspiration from the beloved 1998 film (and 2020 remake) Mulan, as well as Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge.

The story, dreamt up by drag artist, writer and director ShayShay, is a light-hearted blend of the two films. With the Huns preparing to attack, Mulan disguises themself as a man to join the fightback — only for their regiment to find themselves training at the Mulan Rouge, “surrounded by glitz, glamour and go-go girls”.

Performances will fuse drag, comedy and burlesque, with a menu taking inspiration from both French and Asian cuisines — expect the likes of sticky soy and garlic tofu in lettuce wraps, baked camembert with ginger chilli sauce, braised lamb shoulder or butternut squash, charred pineapple on kataifi pastry and more.

The dress code is described as “a hot Paris night at the Mulan Rouge”, with guests encouraged to turn up in their “finest glam and armour; dress to impress”. Although, do note, cultural appropriation is strictly prohibited — head here for details on what to avoid.

The production, which opens this Friday, on October 15, will run until at least mid-January. Tickets are priced between £45-60, while New Year’s Eve is priced at £150, with the price including unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.