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.
To book and for further information visit thevaults.london/mulan-rouge