How a British fringe theater production inspired an unexpected addition to the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus Holiday Show.
What do Charles Dickens, the Moulin Rouge, and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus have in common? This December, quite a bit, actually.
While preparing for this year’s Holiday Show, IMC found inspiration across the Atlantic in Moulin Scrooge, a wildly irreverent musical comedy being presented at Front Room Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, England. The production takes Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and transports it into a world of Victorian nightlife, extravagant costumes, and outrageous theatrical humor.
And we thought, why should the Brits have all the fun?
From Weston-super-Mare to Indianapolis
This Christmas, audiences in Weston-super-Mare will experience Moulin Scrooge at Front Room Theatre, an award-winning fringe venue known for its inventive comedy productions. Created in collaboration with Bristol-based The Wardrobe Theatre, the show promises a gloriously over-the-top interpretation of Dickens’ classic, complete with showgirls, supernatural visitors, and a particularly grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge.
Meanwhile, more than 3,800 miles away, the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus will be presenting its own take on the concept.
Rather than staging the full British production, IMC is incorporating a large, scripted Moulin Scrooge number into its annual Holiday Show. The segment draws inspiration from the British production’s central storyline while adapting the material for IMC’s singers, audience, and distinctive sense of humor.
What makes the connection especially exciting is that it isn’t simply a case of borrowing an idea. IMC has been working directly with Front Room Theatre, whose team has helped inspire the script and offered creative guidance as the Indianapolis version takes shape.
It’s an unexpected international collaboration, bringing together two organizations that share an appreciation for musical storytelling, theatrical spectacle, and a healthy disregard for taking themselves too seriously.
A Season with a Little Rouge
The timing couldn’t be better. While Moulin Scrooge brings a little Parisian-inspired extravagance to the holidays, IMC has another Rouge-themed celebration waiting in the wings.
On May 21, 2027, the Chorus will present Big Gay Prom: Rouge!, its annual fundraising celebration at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Although the two productions are separate events, they share a certain theatrical spirit: bold entertainment, glamorous possibilities, and the opportunity to embrace something delightfully over the top.
Consider Moulin Scrooge a little preview of the Rouge energy coming later this season.
Two Countries, One Very Unusual Christmas
There’s something particularly fun about knowing that audiences on opposite sides of the Atlantic will be enjoying their own versions of Moulin Scrooge this December.
The British production runs December 9 through January 3 at Front Room Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. IMC’s Holiday Show takes place December 18–20 at Warren Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis.
Different stages, different performers, and different interpretations—but a shared appreciation for Dickens, theatrical excess, and the possibility that even Ebenezer Scrooge might eventually learn to have a little fun.
And while we can’t promise a giant, gaudy elephant like the one advertised in the British production, we can promise that this isn’t going to be your grandfather’s Christmas Carol.
Curious about the British production that inspired us? Visit Front Room Theatre to learn more about their production of Moulin Scrooge.
Experience the IMC Holiday Show!
Join the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus for one of Indy’s favorite holiday traditions! With more than 100 voices, festive favorites, plenty of laughs, and a few unexpected surprises, this year’s Holiday Show promises something for everyone.
December 18–20, 2026
Warren Performing Arts Center | Indianapolis
Performance Times:
Friday, December 18 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 – 3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 – 3:00 p.m.