By: Jim Hutchins
Miss Saigon is very much a love story for turbulent times, a poignant reminder that love can be the most beautiful and yet, the hardest thing in the world.
Presented by Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison, this timely version retains all the strengths, qualities and emotional power of earlier productions, yet feels current, delivering its narrative skilfully to a contemporary audience.
Schönberg, Boubil and Maltby’s powerful score and impassioned lyrics transport us to a brothel in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1975. In the chaotic situation just before the withdrawal of American troops on the Fall of Saigon, Chris, an American soldier and Kim, a young local woman find solace and love in each other, pledging to spend their lives together.
The frantic withdrawal forces Chris to leave Kim. He returns to America and tries to find some normality, unknowingly leaving Kim to raise his son alone in the very different Saigon, soon to be renamed as Ho Chi Minh City.
An opportunistic and relentlessly ambitious character named The Engineer drives our story from the very beginning through to its devastating end as we discover what happens when Chris and Kim’s paths finally cross again.
Andrew D Edward’s Set and Costume design, Bruno Poet’s Lighting design and George Reeve’s Projection Design come together seamlessly, immersing us fully in each chapter of our characters’ story.
Miss Saigon is Julianne Pundan’s professional debut. Her selection as Kim brings us a player delivering a voice with a wonderful range, a beautiful richness and an ability to express both strength and sadness.
Jack Kane brings his acting, singing and musical heritage demonstrating a vocal control to give us a convincingly conflicted Chris.
Each brings their individual character to life but together, any audience doubts of their deep love are dispelled as their voices embrace in The Last Night of the World.
Seann Miley Moore has a vehicle in The Engineer to display their huge talent.
While many UK fans know them from The X Factor UK, they are famous worldwide, with many awards & credits in Theatre, Television and Music.
The multicharacter Engineer, showcases their acting and vocal skill. They constantly engage with the audience and we willingly follow them through the tale. We consider the pensive Do You Want to Die in Bed but glory in their rendition of The American Dream, a joyous piece of theatre displaying, perhaps ironically nowadays, everything The Engineer considers great in America. This is a dazzling piece of staging, stimulating us in every dimension and the Theatre Royal Plymouth audience erupts in appreciation.
The child, Tam, is played tonight by five-year-old Samantha Reese Camiguing.
The audience can’t help but “Aaaah” as he is revealed.
Tam’s presence on stage increases the emotion and drama whenever he’s there.
Emily Langham as Ellen and Mikko Juan as Thuy excel in their roles, as do the rest of the cast. Dominic Hartley-Harris as John has an adept and rounded voice resonating particularly powerfully in the second act.
The heartbreaking final chapter unfolds immediately after and in dramatic contrast to The American Dream, and it’s hard not to become emotional as we look on.
The audience stands at the end showing their appreciation but, of course, the loudest applause comes as the child, Samantha Reese Camiguing runs onstage and is hoisted onto Seann Miley Moore’s shoulder for the final bows.
Miss Saigon will be thrilling audiences Theatre Royal Plymouth until Saturday 28 February 2026.
Do remember to bring tissues with you. Just in case.