miss saigon uk tour 2005 cast

• Miss Saigon (Schönberg/Boublil/Maltby)

Regional Tour (2005)

•  Overview
•  Credits
•  Musical Numbers
•  Venues
•  Recordings
•  Trivia & History
•  Posters
•  Photos
•  Video Clips
•  Audio Clips

Miss Saigon

Back to Show

Production Info

Opening April 5, 2005 Closing: April 30, 2005 Length of Run: not listed yet Run Type: Limited

Location Info

Market: Regional

Credits Highlights

See full list

Musical Numbers

• Overture/Backstage Dreamland .... Gigi, Kim, The Engineer, and Bar Girls
• The Heat is On in Saigon .... Soldiers, Bar Girls, The Engineer, Kim, John, Chris, and Gigi
• The Movie in My Mind .... Gigi, Kim, and Bar Girls
• The Transaction .... The Engineer, John, Soldiers, Chris, and Kim
• The Dance .... Kim, Chris, and The Engineer
• Why, God, Why? .... Chris
• This Money's Yours .... Chris and Kim
• Sun and Moon .... Kim and Chris
• The Telephone Song .... Chris and John
• The Deal .... The Engineer and Chris
• The Ceremony .... Gigi, Kim, Bar Girls, and Chris
• Thuy's Arrival .... Thuy, Chris, and Kim
• Last Night of the World .... Chris and Kim
• The Morning of the Dragon .... Soldiers, The Engineer, Two Guards, and Thuy
• I Still Believe .... Kim and Ellen
• Back in Town .... The Engineer, Kim, Thuy, and Soldiers
• You Will Not Touch Him .... Thuy and Kim
• This Is the Hour .... Chorus
• If You Want to Die in Bed .... The Engineer
• Let Me See His Western Nose .... Kim and The Engineer
• I'd Give My Life for You .... Kim
• Bui-Doi .... John and Chorus
• The Revelation .... Chris, John, and Ellen
• What a Waste .... The Engineer, Hustlers, Tourists, John, and Kim
• Please .... John and Kim
• Chris is Here .... The Engineer, Kim, Club Owner, and John
• Kim's Nightmare .... Thuy
• The Fall of Saigon .... Soldiers, Chris, Kim, John, and Citizens
• Sun and Moon (Reprise) .... Kim
• Room 317 .... Kim and Ellen
• It's Her or Me .... Ellen
• The Confrontation .... Chris, Ellen, and John
• Paper Dragons .... The Engineer and Kim
• The American Dream .... The Engineer
• The Sacred Bird .... Kim
• This Is the Hour (Reprise) .... Kim
• Finale .... Chris and Kim

Additional Musical Numbers Lists

No additional musical numbers lists yet.

Trivia & History

Posters & promo art, video clips, audio clips, tour schedule.

• 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle, WA) April 5, 2005 - April 30, 2005
• Nancy Lee & Perry R. Bass Performance Hall (Fort Worth, TX) May 3, 2005 - May 8, 2005

Audio Recordings

Video recordings.

Copyright ©2024 ovrtur.com Change Log | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Miss Saigon

Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg & Richard Maltby Junior Palace Theatre, Manchester 6 December 2005 – 7 January 2006

More than fifteen years after Boublil and Schönberg's follow-up to their phenomenally successful Les Misérables landed - by helicopter - in the West End, the production has been completely revamped to a scale more suited to touring large-scale venues. The new version has a brand new design from Adrian Vaux and new direction from Laurence Connor and Mitchell Lemsky.

Miss Saigon transplants the story of Madame Butterfly to Vietnam in the mid-1970s. Two US soldiers, Chris and John, are relaxing in a seedy bar in Saigon. John 'buys' Chris a night with Kim, a new employee in the bar who recently arrived in Saigon after her village was destroyed in the war. Chris falls for Kim, but then all hell breaks loose and the US troops have to pull out of Saigon in a hurry, splitting the new lovers up. Three years later, Chris has made a new life for himself in America, but Kim is still waiting for him to return to her, with inevitably tragic consequences.

Rather than pruning the original production and sending it on the road with a touring cast, Cameron Mackintosh has assembled a top quality new cast and production team to create a fresh, new production suitable for touring. Some of the famous elements of the original production, such as the helicopter and the Cadillac, have gone, to be replaced by simpler effects that work at least as well.

There are no weaknesses in the cast, but Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer threatens to steal the show. He has played the part on and off around the world for ten years, and even appears in the chorus on the 1990 original cast recording, but his performance still seems fresh with lots of nice little subtle touches. Chris and Kim are played by Ramin Karimloo and Ima Castro, who are both excellent with strong singing voices. John Partridge is also very good as Chris's friend John, although his version of 'Bui Doi' is a bit too gospelly for me; a simpler rendition can be more effective.

The new set design looks nice and works very well in the production. The fall of Saigon scene is particularly impressive, as sections of fencing and crowds of people are carefully choreographed to be in different positions each time they are lit. The helicopter lands on stage courtesy of a projection screen and surround sound effects that travel around the audience, but this is actually done very well. The screen is also used during the 'American Dream' number to show a wonderful animated film by the great caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, which fits perfectly with the seedy interpretation of American capitalism sung about by the Engineer.

Apart from the surround effects, the general sound is a bit thin and lacking in the higher and lower frequencies - at least in the rear stalls - which sometimes reduces intelligibility, especially in crowd scenes. This is not helped by some sparse arrangements and a sound balance in which the vocals sometimes overwhelm the music completely.

This is a slick, top quality production of one of the largest musicals of the last twenty years. The show has a plot that meanders a bit at times and sometimes jumps about in time without much explanation, but it draws the audience into its intense emotion, while still allowing plenty of light relief. The songs are catchy and will be going through your head for days, with some very nice English lyrics from Richard Maltby Jnr. The Palace is providing an entertaining and often moving night at the theatre for this Christmas.

"Miss Saigon" runs until 7th January 2006

This production was also reviewed by Peter Lathan in Sunderland and Steve Orme in Nottingham

Reviewer: David Chadderton

* Some links, including Amazon, Stageplays.com, Bookshop.org, ATG Tickets, LOVEtheatre, BTG Tickets, Ticketmaster, LW Theatres and QuayTickets, are affiliate links for which BTG may earn a small fee at no extra cost to the purchaser.

Are you sure?

NPO 2023-26

Musical theatre, backstage & technical, obituaries & archive, training & drama schools, broadway & international, edinburgh fringe, jobs & auditions, acting & performance, shakespeare, miss saigon.

A welcome revival tour of this much acclaimed international success. One cannot deny the power of the basic story, originally inspired by Madame Butterfly and transformed into its current Vietnam setting. The set pieces are quite spectacular and much credit must be given to Adrian Vaux’s production design, particularly the breathtaking helicopter sequence and the imaginative recreation of the storming of the American Embassy.

A sea of colour and movement evokes a wonderfully seedy atmosphere in the show’s opening bar scene. The use of Gerald Scarfe’s animation, stunt sequences and sinister marching soldiers beneath the huge sculpted face of a triumphant Ho Chi Minh all add up to a true theatrical experience.

The operatic style may not be to everyone’s taste and although the musical score is handsomely mounted, there is a sad lack of memorable songs. That said, Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer sells his material exceptionally well and brings much character, rare humour and believability to his role. Miriam Valmores Marasigan provides a sweet yet effective vulnerability to her part as Kim, ably supported by a competent but straight performance from Steven Houghton as her lover Chris.

Apart from the previously mentioned opening section, the show’s strength lies in the second half, when the story comes to life and emotions and true spectacle are underlined. Much of the material has a strong adult theme, emphasised by the language and sexual imagery, but all in all the message is one of warmth, emotion, resilience and human tragedy.

More from this Author

Dick whittington and his magical cat, jack and the beanstalk, more on this topic.

Diva: Live from Hell! review

Accolade review

Suite in Three Keys review

The Barber of Seville review

More reviews.

Aspects of Love review

King Lear review

Sunset Boulevard review

Recommended for you, more from this author, closer to heaven review, a view from the bridge review, eddie izzard: hamlet review, bluets review, boys from the blackstuff review, viola’s room review, andrea chénier review, les mis to grant rights to amateur groups as show celebrates 40 years, stage schools at risk under labour's vat plans, heads warn, theatre green book founder calls for commercial sector to 'join in', rolling back the years: starlight express' bold beginning, kathy and stella press night cancelled due to leak on stage, ace review 'paused' ahead of general election, let’s create has flaws, but it holds great value on theatre’s path to excellence, your subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue.

Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £5.99

© Copyright The Stage Media Company Limited 2024

Miss Saigon - Second UK Tour - August 10, 2005

2020 encora and of the respective rightsholders, are you sure you want to do that.

You're about to delete a record. This action is irreversible. Are you sure you want to do that?

Sheffield Theatre

Hear about new shows.

Join our mailing list to be kept up to date

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MISS SAIGON

We today announce the full cast and creative team for the first non-replica regional production of Miss Saigon . By special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh, Boublil and Schönberg’s hit musical retelling of Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam war.

The previously announced Joanna Ampil , who has previously played Kim in the London, Sydney, UK touring and 10 th anniversary productions of Miss Saigon , will play The Engineer.

She is joined by a full cast, including: Desmonda Cathabel as Mimi and Alternate Kim , Aynrand Ferrer as Gigi ; Shanay Holmes as Ellen , Jessica Lee as Kim and Alternate Mimi, Ethan Le Phong as Thuy, Christian Maynard as Chris , Emily Ooi as Yvonne and Understudy Gigi , Shane O’Riordan as John , Ericka Posadas as Fifi and Understudy The Engineer.

Making up the ensemble and GIs will be: Adam Colbeck-Dunn as GI and Understudy John, Andrew Davison as GI and Ensemble, Oscar Kong as Ensemble, Abel Law as Ensemble, Lavinia Mai as Ensemble, Patrick Munday as Ensemble and Understudy Thuy, Rachel Jayne Picar as Ensemble, Aharon Rayner as GI and Understudy Chris, Ernest Stroud as GI and Ensemble, Rumi Sutton as Ensemble and Understudy Ellen, Callum Tempest as GI and Ensemble, Danny Whelan as GI and Ensemble, Riley Woodford as GI and Ensemble, and Iverson Yabut as Ensemble.

All members of the cast make their Sheffield Theatres debut with Miss Saigon.

Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jnr and Alain Boublil, adapted from Original French Text by Alain Boublil with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Originally produced on the stage by Cameron Mackintosh.

The full creative team includes Directors Robert Hastie and Anthony Lau, Designer Ben Stones, Choreographer Jade Hackett , Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun, Sound Designer Mike Walker, Video and Animation Designer Andrzej Goulding , Musical Director Chris Poon, Orchestral Management David Gallagher , Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG, Children's Casting Director Sarah De Souza , Intimacy Coordinator and Fight Director Haruka Kuroda, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer Sam Cox , Associate Director Lexine Lee , Associate Choreographer Nicola Mac , Assistant Musical Director Matthew Jackson, Music Assistant Tom Crathorne and Counselling Psychologist Jane Titterton.

“ Dance like it’s the last night of the world ”

The last days of the Vietnam War, 1975.

At the infamous Dreamland night club, Vietnamese bargirl Kim meets American GI Chris and in one fateful night their lives become entwined forever.

Forced apart as Saigon falls, the lovers embark on a journey across continents to find their way back to each other.

Passionate and poignant, Boublil and Schönberg’s unforgettable and multi-award-winning musical features the songs Movie in My Mind , American Dream, Last Night of the World and The Heat Is On in Saigon.

Tickets for Miss Saigon are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at the link below.

Book tickets

Latest news, cast announced for chariots of fire, new touring shows on sale in june, arts-led climate programme storm-cloud originates in sheffield.

Show History

Inspiration

Miss Saigon is a sung-through musical based on Giacomo Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly . Finding worldwide success with Les Misérables , the songwriting team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. Schönberg allegedly found a photograph from the Vietnam War in a magazine one day. The picture depicted a mother leaving her child at a departure gate at an air base to get on a plane to the United States for a better life with the child's ex-G.I. father.  Schönberg thought that the mother's actions showed an immense amount of sacrifice and led him back to the plot of Madame Butterfly . The team, joined by Richard Maltby, Jr., on lyrics, decided to retain the center story and plot of the opera, but relocated everything to 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War.

Productions

Miss Saigon premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in the West End on September 20, 1989.  It was directed by renowned British director, Nicholas Hytner, and starred Lea Salonga and Jonathan Pryce.  The production closed ten years later, on October 30, 1999, after more than 4,200 performances. The Broadway production ran at the Broadway Theatre from April 11, 1991, to January 28, 2001, and featured much of the original creative team and cast, including Salonga and Pryce.

After the Broadway production closed, a tour launched across the UK with the original London staging, performing at the six largest venues in Britain and Ireland. When the tour closed in 2003, original producer, Cameron Mackintosh, developed the musical so it could be performed in smaller theatres.  Another UK tour then launched with Mackintosh's idea at its forefront, going from July 2004 to June 2006.  Tours across the United States have run from 1992 to 1995 and 2002 to 2005.  Both tours have played such significant venues as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Since opening, Miss Saigon has been performed in 25 companies and almost 250 cities.  It has seen productions in everywhere from Norway and Canada to Hungary and New Zealand.

Cultural Influence

• Miss Saigon is the twelfth longest-running Broadway musical in musical theatre history, running for 4,092 performances.
• The musical has been translated into twelve different languages, including German, Japanese and Estonian.
• The Broadway production broke several Broadway records almost immediately, including a record advance-ticket sales of $24 million, highest priced ticket at $100 and repaying investors in fewer than 39 weeks.
• The 2014 West End production set a new world record for opening day ticket sales.
• The original production of Miss Saigon was one of the most spectacular and technically complex productions ever staged. 266 people worked on the London production at each performance and, of those, only 47 appeared in front of the audience.  The evacuation of Saigon scene, which involved a helicopter taking off from a roof, is still considered to be one of the most technically magnificent things produced onstage.
• The original London production of Miss Saigon was nominated for four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Best New Director.  The Broadway production was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

With the opening of Miss Saigon , producer, Cameron Mackintosh, had four productions playing on Broadway simultaneously (the other three being Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables ).

Seann Miley Moore

The engineer.

An embodiment of queer Asian excellence, this pinoy princess Seann Miley Moore (SMM) has performed at Gay pride events all over the world, including the UK, Amsterdam, New York and most recently headlining at Sydney World Pride.

He/she/they is well known for pushing boundaries outside the heteronormative and is beauty and fashion ambassador to international brands Lululemon, Fenty Beauty and Jean Paul Gaultier and recently featured in  Vogue Australia  for their pride campaign, Get Used To It.

They won over our hearts on shows such as  Eurovision  and  The   X Factor  with their standing ovation rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On”, and also performed in the O2 Arena, London. Even Simon Cowell said “This kid’s..a STAR!”.

Theatre credits in Australia include Angel Dumott Schunard in  Rent  directed by Shaun Rennie and part of the original cast and Helpmann Award-winning show  Sweet Charity , directed by Dean Bryant at Hayes Theatre.

They also recently released their disco pop anthem with St Croix “My Lovers” hitting a #5 peak on the ARIA Charts advocating LGBTQ+ love and equality (available to stream on Spotify).

Get ready for Big “Slayzian Energy” because “no one gives you a buzz like the EnginQUEER does.”

Abigail Adriano

Originating from Sydney, rising star Abigail Adriano began her performance training at the age of six. Her passion for singing led her to study both classical and contemporary under the guidance of Peter Bodnar.

Abigail’s first theatrical experience was in Tim Minchin’s  Matilda the Musical  in the role of Alice.

On the small screen, Abigail played the co-leading role of Rose in the Netflix/ABC television series  The Unlisted . She also appeared on  The Voice Kids Australia  and has worked on numerous advertising campaigns.

Abigail is excited to be making her professional lead role debut as Kim in Miss Saigon . She would like to thank her family, mentors and T&E Management for their ongoing support and guidance.

Nigel Huckle

Nigel Huckle is an award-winning Australian-American performer based in New York. He has performed in iconic venues across the world from the Dubai Opera in Cameron Mackintosh's production of  Les Misérables , to the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro with The TEN Tenors, and here at home in the Opera House in West Side Story with Opera Australia.

He recently won a San Diego Theatre Critics’ Circle Award for his run as Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Other credits include Lt. Cable in South Pacific (Theatre Under the Stars, Houston), Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Production Company), and Nick in the Australian premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale (Australian Contemporary Opera Company).

​​Nigel holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory, is proudly represented by IWM and is a member of MEAA Equity.

Louisa Vilinne

Kim alternate.

Born in Indonesia and raised in Singapore, Louisa moved to Australia in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Music Theatre at Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide (2022). Louisa made her professional musical debut as Kim Alternate/Ensemble at the Sydney Opera House in Miss Saigon (2023).

Her credits include working at Universal Studios Japan (2023) and Zoe/Mei Cover in State Theatre Company South Australia’s Single Asian Female (2022). Louisa is a proud member of MEAA Actors Equity Australia.

Sarah Morrison

Sarah is thrilled to be joining the cast of Miss Saigon , following two seasons of the delightful A Christmas Carol as Belle .

Sarah’s career began with Opera Queensland performing in the children’s choir in La Bohème  and Hansel and Gretel . She went on to study and after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre from the Ballarat Arts Academy (now known as Federation University). Sarah played Tracy in Dust (Queens Theatre and Brisbane’s Powerhouse) and Elizabeth in Third World Blues (Company 11).

Sarah’s breakout role was the one she originated as the lead of Lisainthe national tourof Ladies in Black , a new work co-produced by the Queensland and Melbourne Theatre Companies. Next came Sophie Sheridan in the Australian tour of Mamma Mia! and then sellout seasons of Come From Away in the role of Janice and Others. Most recently, Sarah made her West End debut when she joined the London production of Come From Away . Other credits include You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown in the role of Sally Brown.

Screen credits include The Doctor Blake Mysteries and Making Dust for ABC Artscape. 

Lewis Francis

Lewis is a graduate of The University of Auckland where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Commercial Law.

While studying business, he was awarded a full scholarship at The Auckland Opera Study, where he trained extensively with Frances Wilson Fitzgerald. He was then successful in becoming a member of the NZ Opera Freemasons Chorus from 2015 – 2017.

In 2015 Lewis won the Presidents Cup for most promising vocal artist at the North Shore Singing Competition, and also won the John Bond Award at NZ Aria in 2016, for most promising vocal artist.

Since then Lewis’ theatre credits include , the role of Sky in Mamma Mia! the Musical Australian Tour (LWAA), Ensemble/Raoul understudy in Phantom of the Opera (Cameron Mackintosh & Opera Australia), Ted in Bonnie & Clyde (Joshua Robson Productions) Ensemble/Raoul understudy in Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour (Opera Australia), Barry Belson in Jersey Boys (G&T productions), Mutombo/Mafala understudy in The Book of Mormon (Gordon Frost), Turandot , (NZ Opera), Carmen (NZ Opera). His screen credits include Frozen Moments , The Pact and The Bridge to Terabithia .

Laurence Mossman

Laurence made his Australian debut in Miss Saigon at the Sydney Opera House and is extremely delighted to reprise the role of Thuy for the Asian Tour. He is grateful to return to the Philippines, where he started his theatre career, in this iconic musical.

A proud Filipino-Kiwi born in Auckland, he earned an honours degree in Music at the University of Otago. After graduating, Laurence moved to Manila, Philippines to establish an international career in the performing arts.

After being a resident performer at Resorts World Manila for two years in the vocal trio Primo, he made his professional theatre debut alongside Broadway legend Lea Salonga in Atlantis Theatrical’s Fun Home in 2016.

Laurence also made his television acting debut in 2016 on the popular primetime teleserye Dolce Amore on ABS-CBN playing the character Mr. Mossman opposite Liza Soberano.

Other theatre highlights include Charlie Price in the Manila run of Kinky Boots and Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol.

Kiara Dario

Kiara is a 26-year-old Philippine-based actor, who started her theatre training at the age of five with Repertory Philippines, and subsequently with the Marie Eugenie Theatre of the Assumption (where she won the METTA Gold Award), and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

With Repertory Philippines, Kiara made her professional debut at the age of 14 in Disney's Camp Rock , and most recently took on her first lead role in Snow White and the Prince , for which she was nominated as Best Performer in a Musical in the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards. Her other theatre credits include Mrs. Potiphar and understudy Asenath in Joseph the Dreamer (Trumpets), ensemble in Ang Huling El Bimbo, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , Annie (Newport World Resorts); as well as featured roles in Flashcard Tangle , and How We Got On (C.A.S.T.).

Kiara was a Philippine representative at the 2015 World Hip Hop Championships in California, and an actor in iWantTFC series Lyric and Beat . Kiara is also a songwriter and recording artist as a member of the self-produced Philippine pop girl group Daydream, who was nominated for Favorite Group at the 2022 Philippine Association of the Record Industry Awards.

Carlo Boumouglbay

Carlo graduated from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre.

Following his graduation, Carlo featured in Sweet Charity for Understudy Productions, Wicked for Matt Ward Entertainment and originated the role of Barry Bagsley in the world premiere of Don’t Call Me Ishmael: The Musical with Underground Broadway. He then toured with Brainstorm Productions throughout 2020 and 2021.

Following a move to Sydney in 2022 Carlo appeared in Bonnie and Clyde for Josh Robson Productions and played the role of Brayden in The Deb for ATYP.

Carlo made his Australian Tour debut joining the company of Mamma Mia!

Michael Boyle

Michael is a dancer and performer based in Sydney. He started dance and gymnastics training at the age of 7 at ED5 International Junior School and Sydney Olympic Park. He also participated in the Australian Ballet School Interstate program for several years. Michael went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts at ED5 International’s Full-­‐time course (2017-­‐ 2018). He studied under William A Forsythe, Leslie Bell, Phillip Filo and Nathan Sheens.

Michael has worked commercially alongside stars like Marcia Hines, Paulini, Lucy Durack and Mini Cooper. He has worked in Television on Channel 10's The Masked Singer , ABC’s Tom Ballad’s Tonightly , Amazon’s The Moth Effect and as part of Tinder’s 'Represent Love' and NSW 'Make No Doubt’ campaigns. His dancing has taken him around the world working as a featured Dancer for Tokyo Disney Land and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. While in Sydney Michael has worked in shows for Opera Australia, Sydney Showboat and After Midnight the Cabaret. He is so excited to embark on this next adventure.

Ellie Chan is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. Prior, Ellie trained at the May Downs School of Dance under Renie Ann Martini OAM.

Ellie’s music theatre debut was in The King and I (The Production Company). Recently, she performed in Elegies: A Song Cycle (VCA), Little Women (VCA) and as a featured soloist in Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall. Ellie also performed in the Melbourne Choir for Chess: The Musical (StoreyBoard Entertainment).

Ellie was a semi-finalist in the inaugural AOC initiative in 2020 and is a member of MEAA.

Shannon Cheong

Shannon is a graduate of Berklee College of Music & The Boston Conservatory. As part of the AOC Initiative, he also secured a full scholarship with Village Nation.

His NYC debut was in  You, Me, I, We  for the National Asian Artists Project. Shannon was part of the world premiere of  Sticks and Stones  for Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation and was featured in the cast recording of  d’ILLUSION, The Houdini Musical.

In Australia, Shannon recently appeared in  Titanic: The Musical . Other overseas credits include  Pippin, Legally Blonde, City of Angels, Anything Goes, Carousel, Cabaret  and  The Music Man.

Many thanks to his family, Chris, and T&E Management.

Bella Choundary

Bella Choundary trained at Sydney’s Ev and Bow attaining a Certificate IV in Dance.

Bella made her Musical Theatre debut in the critically acclaimed Australian production of  Jagged Little Pill  (GWB) in 2020. Bella’s credits now include performances at the ARIA Awards with Peach PRC, the Logies with Amy Shark, the opening of the FIFA World Cup with Tones and I and Sydney’s Mardi Gras with Agnes, as well as special events for YSL, Tik Tok and Hermes.

On screen, Bella has appeared on television’s  The Masked Singer  and was cast in a featured dancer role in Rebel Wilson’s film version of  The Deb .

Bella is thrilled to joining this incredible cast of  Miss Saigon !

Czar Decena

Czar is a versatile performer born and raised in the Philippines. His journey in the world of performing began at the age of 17, sparking a passion which led to numerous memorable performances with Julie Borromeo’s Performing Arts Foundation, and Repertory Philippines.

Czar is honoured to become a part of the Miss Saigon family.

David Duketis

Schultz / ensemble.

Originally from Melbourne, David graduated from the acclaimed Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre), at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

David’s music theatre credits include Opera Australia’s The Phantom of the Opera (Handa On Sydney Harbour - 2022) as Ensemble and Marksman cover, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2022-2023) as Ensemble and Pharaoh and Reuben cover.

David has performed extensively from a young age, and his love for the stage extends further into his own artistic endeavours as an actor, songwriter and music producer.

Natasha Dumlao

Ensemble / assistant dance captain.

Miss Saigon is Natasha Dumlao’s professional theatre debut. Natasha is a graduate of the Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre (PCMT) at New York Film Academy (NYFA), where she was a scholarship student of Broadway’s Deidre Goodwin and Kristy Cates. Whilst in New York, she was a cast member of productions of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Muriel) and Pippin (The Leading Player). She began her performance training as a student at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts.

Natasha would like to thank her family and teachers for their ongoing guidance and support.

Gelina Enriquez

Gelina is a proud Filipina-Australian who is passionate about diversity and representation in the arts. She made her professional theatre debut as Swing and Assistant Choreographer in The Deb (ATYP), then joined Dubbo Champion Wrestling (Hayes Theatre Company) as Assistant Choreographer, both new Australian musicals.

Prior, she had worked as both cast and creative in a sold-out season of Heathers: The Musical (The Mitchell Old Company). She has also performed in Packemin Productions’ Jesus Christ Superstar , Mamma Mia! , and We Will Rock You , and recently worked as Choreographer for their production of Les Misérables . A rising star in the industry, Gelina is honoured to be making her Opera Australia debut in Miss Saigon .

Sara Haruta

Born and raised in Cairns, Sara moved to Sydney in 2016 to further her studies at ED5International where she graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts. Sara recently toured regionally with Girls on Tap , directed and choreographed by Sally Dashwood along with a featured performance at Light The Way Convention. Proudly represented by Focus Talent Management, Sara is ecstatic to be making her professional musical theatre debut in Miss Saigon with Opera Australia.

Leyton Holmes

Leyton began his training at two years of age at his mother’s dance school, Donna Jean’s Danceforce and later at The Australian Ballet School ITP, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and Brent St.

In 2022, he graduated from ED5International with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts. At 12 years of age, Leyton made his professional musical theatre debut in the original Australian production of Matilda the Musical . Leyton has performed with The Australian Ballet, Sydney Showboats, Carols in the Domain and on Ready Set Dance (Nick Jr.). Represented by T&E Management, Leyton is thrilled to be in Opera Australia's production of Miss Saigon .

Emily Huynh

Emily is a proud Vietnamese – Australian performer, born in Naarm/ Melbourne and raised in Brisbane. Emily began her training at the age of eight with extensive training in all genres where she found her passion for Musical Theatre, which led her to be a scholarship graduate from Patrick School of the Arts in Performing arts, where she obtained her Diploma in Dance in 2021.

Emily’s credits include Commonwealth Games hand over in 2022 (Baker boy, Vanessa Amorosi, Taylor Henderson), AFL grand final (Robbie Williams), Cosentino the Grand Illusionist and an official NBL team member for SEM Phoenix. Other credits: Corporate events with Crown Entertainment, Channel 7, Marvel Stadium, Grand Prix, Virgin Australia and Peter Alexander.

Miss Saigon marks her professional theatre debut and she feels incredibly privileged to be joining such a talented cast. Emily would like to thank and acknowledge her loved ones and mentors for their constant guidance and support and is thrilled for the journey ahead.

Jiho Hwang was born in Korea and studied opera singing at the Catholic University of Korea.

Following his mandatory military service with the Police Band of Korea, he went to Vienna to pursue his musical education at the Jam Music Lab. Jiho Hwang has been on stage as a singer and actor in various productions.

During his studies, he made his professional theatre debut at the Raimund Theater in Vienna with Miss Saigon playing the roles of Ensemble/Cover Thuy/Assistant Commissar, and Cover Chulalongkorn in The King and I at the Seefestspiele Mörbisch. He also appeared as Ensemble in Operette Land des Lächelns . Additionally, he participated in the television show Phantom Singer 4 in Korea.

Mikaila Imaguchi

Mikaila is a Japanese-Australian performer, now back in Australia after several years living in Tokyo. In Japan, Mikaila honed her skills in stunts and martial arts and was fortunate enough to be a part of a national performing tour. Mikaila is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre. During her studies, Mikaila performed in Once On This Island , Thoroughly Modern Millie and Spring Awakening . Mikaila is thrilled to be making her professional musical theatre debut in Miss Saigon .

Patrick Jeremy

Asst. commissar / ensemble.

Australian artist Patrick Jeremy has performed in musical theatre and opera around the world, from his hometown the Festival City of Adelaide, to Sydney, London, Rome, Vienna, New York, Canada, and now the Asia Tour of Miss Saigon . Patrick’s European debut was at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, as Rick in the Châtelet production of John Adams’ I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky. In London, Patrick appeared in West End Bares and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

His solo cabaret show enjoyed two seasons at Don’t Tell Mama in New York. Favourite roles include the title roles in Candide and Sunday in the Park with George, Giorgio in Passion, Lun Tha in The King & I and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Hamish Johnston

Hamish Johnston’s recent productions include Tick, Tick… Boom! (StoreyBoard Entertainment) and Happy End (Victorian Opera) and he played Karl Jenkins and Dudley Dursley in the original cast for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child . Screen credits include Utopia (ABC). Hamish is a graduate of the Musical Theatre program at the Victorian College of the Arts, where his roles included The Baker in Into the Woods . Hamish made his mainstage debut in Eddie Perfect’s Vivid White for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Nicholas Kong

Clubowner / ensemble.

Nick is thrilled to bring Miss Saigon on tour following its successful Australian run. He is returning to GWB after charming audiences as Fezziwig in their inaugural production of A Christmas Carol .

Other theatrical highlights include: Otto in the Australian premiere of Spring Awakening for Sydney Theatre Company, Jamie in Mary Bryant with Magnormos, Jerome in Merrily We Roll Along with Watch This, Jacob in La Cage aux Folles with Quirky and he has also appeared in productions of The Pirates of Penzance and Kismet for The Production Company.

Last year, Nick had the privilege of joining the cast of Australian Epic , a zany, musical TV show for ABC TV, based on various Australian events, written by Andrew Hansen and Chris Taylor. This delightful series is available to watch now.

Being a part of Miss Saigon is a dream come true for Nick, and he extends heartfelt thanks to Karl, Sprout, and Bug for their unwavering support and letting him go off and play 'make believe'.

Vi Lam, born and raised in Vietnam, based in Sydney is a passionate dancer, instinctive choreographer, and dedicated educator.

Over 15 years, he has honed a unique dance language, sculpting movements that interpret lyrics and resonate with the intricate nuances of sound, delving into shapes and textures.

To Vi, dance is not just performance but a rich narrative. His choreography unfolds stories, emphasising both abstract and commercial facets, and highlighting cultural motifs. Music is more than an accompaniment to Vi—it guides, acting as the compass for his heartfelt choreographic conversations.

His collaborations span Opera Australia, Sydney Dance Company, The Australian Ballet, GWB, LOcREaDO Dance Company, UNSW Global, and Commbank. On screen, he's contributed to SBS’ I’m Not Gay and ABC’s Significant Others . A notable achievement is his Sydney Theatre Awards nomination for Best Choreography in a Musical for 2023's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee presented by September Remedy Production at Hayes Theatre Co. Vi is delighted and thrilled to debut his main stage musical theatre journey with Miss Saigon.

Winchester Lopez

Swing / dance supervisor.

Winchester began his dance training at Philippine High School for the Arts and took BA Anthropology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He was a lead dancer of the UP Filipiniana Dance Group and became the Associate Artistic Director in 2011.

He joined the premier jazz and contemporary dance company in the Philippines and performed locally, in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He was one of the ensemble members in Repertory Philippines’ Song and Dance . He performed in various Royal Caribbean International production shows as a cast dancer and aerialist. He was part of the Miss Saigon UK International Tour and Miss Saigon Danish version in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 2022, Chester was the Dance Captain of the Miss Saigon German version in Vienna, Austria.

Robbie Mejica

Robbie is a Sydney based performer who began his journey as part of the hip hop group Kookies N Kream who were Grand Finalists on television’s  Australia’s Got Talent  and went on to perform nationally and internationally.

Keen to expand his horizons, Robbie then undertook full time performing arts training in all genres at ED5International, graduating in 2015 with a Diploma of Performing Arts under the guidance of William A Forsythe.

Robbie’s professional credits include  AIDA  (Opera Australia), various performances on  The Voice  with artists such as Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian, Guy Sebastian’s film clip Choir , and TVCs for brands including Telstra, Optus and Cricket Australia. Robbie has also competed at the Hip Hop Internationals World Supreme Battlegrounds.

In 2022, Robbie made his professional Musical Theatre debut in  Jagged Little Pill  (GWB). He is thrilled to now be a part of the cast of the incredible  Miss Saigon .

Bailey Nathan-Park

Swing / fight captain.

Bailey is a multi-faceted performer from Melbourne/Naarm (Australia) who grew up singing and dancing from the age of five.

Bailey prides himself on his versatility as an artist and went on to train at Patrick School of the Arts, graduating from their Performing Arts course in 2019.

Since then, Bailey has further developed his voice with Tim Smith at Vocal Alchemy.

Whilst studying, Bailey secured his first commercial contract and has been fortunate enough to continue working since.

Some of his proudest credits include: working with the Michael Cassel Group on  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  as the company’s Flying Captain and Aerial Swing, working abroad with Royal Caribbean International on an original feature show  Pixels Cabaret , and most recently part of Opera Australia’s Original Australian cast for their  Miss Saigon AU  tour.

Although this is not Bailey’s first professional theatre credit, it is his first time touring to Asia. He is both thrilled and thankful to be a part of this incredible production and cannot wait for local audiences to love this show as much as he does.

Tetsuya Okubo

Acrobat / ensemble.

Tetsuya Okubo was born in Osaka, Japan. He had a passion for gymnastics and trained as a gymnast to pursue athletics in his earlier age. He furthered his education at Osaka Kyouiku university Department of Education, elementary school teacher training Course and health and physical education in Kansai Vocational College of Medicine. His performance credits include Matilda, Miss Saigon , Oliver! , 1789: Les Amants De La Bastille and The Phantom and Detective . When he isn’t performing, Tetsuya enjoys playing piano and working out.

Atsushi Okumura

Hailing from Tokushima, Japan, Atsushi grew up in the Awa Dance Community (Japanese traditional arts) and as a gymnast. Atsushi was the winner of Shikoku Gymnastics Competition in 2003. He has performed as a professional artist nationally and internationally with companies such as The House of Dancing Water (Dragone), Fuerza Bruta WA and Wayra , Tokyo Disney Resort (stunts) and Universal Studios Japan.

David Ouch (He/Him) is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy Performing Arts (WAAPA). Recently, he performed in the original Australian company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Global Creatures). Other theatre credits include the world premiere of  Muriel’s Wedding The Musical  (Global Creatures/STC), Fakir in  The Secret Garden  (OA/ GFO), Luke in  Anything Goes  (OA/ GFO),  Showboat  (The Production Company) and Thuy/ Engineer Cover in  Miss Saigon  (Packemin).  A Promised Land  is David’s first original work about his family’s survival of the Cambodian Civil War and immigrating to Australia (Riverside Theatre). He would like to thank his family, friends and WM team.

Tony Oxybel

Tony Oxybel is a performing artist and choreographer. He was born in Paris, France, where he obtained a Masters in Public Affairs. Initially making his way to Sydney in 2019 to conclude his end of studies internship, he ended up dabbling into the street dance and studio scenes, mastering commercial, voguing and afro disciplines. He then ventured into commercial gigs such as music videos, showcases, back-up dancer touring and TV commercials and campaigns and finally made his musical debut in 2022 in A Chorus Line , followed by Hairspray in 2022-2023.

Paloma Renouf

Paloma is an emerging and passionate artist based in Sydney. She is a recent graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art where she obtained a diploma of musical theatre. At NIDA Paloma was involved in  Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street  as Dance Captain/ensemble and Angela Rose  Late Bloomer  music video as Angela figure/dancer.

Prior to this, Paloma trained at Lane Cove Dance Academy, NIDA young actors studio and The Next Step Performing Arts. Having performed in various community theatre shows such as CATS (Demeter, Willoughby Theatre Company), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Noteable Theatre Company) and Mamma Mia! (WTC), Paloma is thrilled to be making her professional musical theatre debut in Miss Saigon . Paloma thanks all her loved ones, mentors and X Division for their continued support.

Annabelle Rosewarne

Annabelle is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre. Annabelle made her professional debut in The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour with Opera Australia, understudying the role of Meg Giry and most recently appeared in the Australian Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat for Tim Lawson. Prior to this, Annabelle toured NSW with Perform Education in their educational musical theatre show  The Greatest Discovery . On screen, Annabelle appeared as a featured vocalist for Channel 7’s Carols in the Domain 2021.

Jack Connor Rowan

Jack made his musical theatre debut in The Phantom of the Opera 2022 on Sydney Harbour (Opera Australia) and hasn’t stopped working since. He has most recently performed as Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (MWE) and his other stage and screen credits include Singin’ in the Rain in Concert (Prospero Arts + QPAC) and The Wedding Singer (DVE) international tour 2021.

Jack has worked with New York based dance company, Step One (RWS) as a soloist, and recently portrayed the role of Rex Carr in season 2 of Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (Every Cloud Production).

Additional credits include Unboxed Documentary series (ABC), Senseless State (SCIMM), Cosi Fan Tutte (Opera Australia), as well as Vera Blue, Boi and Patrick Jonnson music videos.

Jack is most excited to be making his ‘swing debut’ back where it all began with Opera Australia and is proudly represented by Ian White Management.

Asmara Soekotjo

Born and bred in Melbourne, Asmara is an emerging artist in the industry. Asmara has trained at many schools across the country, choosing to study at Patrick School of the Arts (Performing Arts & Musical Theatre) to really perfect her artistry. However, she cut her studies short to pursue her first professional contract with Royal Caribbean International in Pixels aboard Ovation of the Seas. After returning to Melbourne, Asmara was cast in Legally Blonde the Musical as Pilar (dir. Michael Ralph - James Terry Collective). Following the pandemic, Asmara was then cast in The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy as Ensemble/Cover Angie and shortly after in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the Ensemble. Other notable dance credits include  Another You Film Clip by Adam Noviello, AFL 2022 Grand Final, ABC 90th TV Special 90% and the Keep on Smiling Toyota TVC., as well as acting credits in the Telstra brings 5G AR wayfinding to Marvel Stadium TVC.

Louis Stockil

Louis’ theatre credits include Beauty and The Beast (UK Tour) , Miss Saigon (UK Tour) , Mamma Mia! (UK Tour) , Oliver! (Leicester Curve),and Barnum (UK Tour).

Tamsyn Thomas

Tamsyn Thomas (she/her) has spent her entire lifetime in admiration of the performing arts, remaining dedicated to developing her skills and craft. In 2022, Tamsyn graduated as a scholarship student from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance with a Diploma of Musical Theatre. Opera Australia’s production of Miss Saigon marks her professional theatre debut, and with deep gratitude, she thanks her loved ones and mentors for their guidance, assistance and support.

Brad Veitch

Training: Brad graduated from Arts Educational Schools London.

Theatre includes: Swing/ Cover Roger, Phil and Erwin in Tina - The Tina Turner Musical (West End), Assistant Dance Captain/1st Cover Aslan in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (UK Tour), Ensemble/1st Cover Freddy in My Fair Lady (Palermo), Ensemble/1st Cover Elder Price in The Book of Mormon (International Tour), Swing in Miss Saigon (International Tour), Prince in Snow White (Buxton Opera House), Eddie in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre & UK Tour).

Other work includes: The Barricade Boys , Ensemble in The Laurence Olivier Awards 2013 (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden), Ensemble in The Laurence Olivier Awards 2014 (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden).

Aday Velasco

Aday Velasco began his training as a singer and acrobat at the age of eight. He learnt various disciplines such as artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and aerial acrobatics. He later continued his training in acting, dance and singing.

Aday worked for four years for Costa Cruises and three years for Celebrity Cruises at the company Farfadais. There he held the position of Specialty Act and Aerial Captain.

In 2019, he worked as an acrobatic dance soloist for the Vivid Grand Show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, Germany. Aday was then seen in the musical Miss Saigon as Ensemble GI and Acrobat at the Raimund Theatre, Vienna, Austria. Most recently, Aday Velasco performed as Ensemble/Sergej in the musical Anastasia at the Landestheater Linz, Austria as well as in the musical Jersey Boys at the Musical Sommer Amstetten in Austria in the role of Joe Pesci/Dance Captain.

Sam is a 2016 VCA graduate. He was recently nominated for the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his performance as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris .

Sam has also been a member of platinum-selling group The Ten Tenors since 2019 .  He made his debut in 2017 in The Production Company’s  Jesus Christ Superstar, and in the same year, was awarded the Playbill Future Prospect Award at the Rob Guest Endowment.

Sam’s other credits include William Murdoch in  Titanic (The Marrollo Project), Frank in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (NCL), Whizzer in  Falsettos  (Stageart), Marius in  Les Misérables , and Billy Lawlor in  42nd Street  (both for Free-Rain Theatre Company).

Andy Bonita

Andy is an energetic four-year old boy who loves to play football and basketball. Sometimes, he sets aside his sporty side to show off his love for music, dance, and theatre.

He occasionally turns into Spiderman and often climbs the stairs while doing Spiderman poses. After being a superhero, Andy transforms into Billy Elliot, belting Electricity while dancing to it. In addition, Andy is an expressive child who loves to act out songs and create interpretative dances.

Keone Buenaluz

Meet Keone, the five year old gem who graced the stage at UNESCO-ITI FACT's first International Performing Arts Festival in Phan Thiet City, Vietnam, from December 7–11, 2023.

Despite her timid and shy nature, with a heart full of innocence and a disciplined dedication to her craft, she adds a unique charm to her performances. Offstage, she finds solace in the joyful company of cousins and friends, embodying the sweetness of childhood.

Keone's love for singing and dancing is a testament to her expressive spirit, making her a darling presence both on and off the stage. Her happiness at being part of the production reflects a building passion for the arts.

Dylan James D. De Ocampo

Dylan is a five year old avid fan of dinosaurs, sharks, and creatures like King Kong and Hydra. He likes to play with his collection of dino toys and cars, watching movies and documentaries of wild animals, and playing games with his family. He also likes playing outdoors with his sister Darla. They go biking and play some ball games in the afternoon too. He enjoys drawing with colored markers. He usually draws animals and monsters he has seen on shows.

Dylan is very excited to have his musical theatre debut as Tam in Miss Saigon . Being a shy boy, this production has given him the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and to gain more independence. Dylan would like to thank his Mommy, Daddy, sister Darla, Auntie Hannah, Grandma Ingrid, Mama, Papa and Kuya Minoy for believing in him and supporting him on this.

Enzo is a funny and articulate boy who loves to play with Legos and trains. In school he would rather spend his time talking to his seatmates than eating his snacks. He loves Math, tries his best in Mandarin, and enjoys art time the most.

Enzo is thrilled to make his professional theater debut in Miss Saigon.

Cassidy Lorenzana

Cassidy Lorenzana is a four-year old with an infectious smile and insatiable curiosity. This little spark from Metro Manila, Philippines, has graced her school stage showcasing her passion for singing and dancing in her class talent shows. Cassidy's energy is boundless, matched only by her grace and attentiveness.

She's a multi-talented bundle of joy with interests ranging from soccer to Legos, drawing to cooking, and an unwavering love for Disney Princesses. On the playground, she's a force to be reckoned with, and her laughter is pure magic.

Cassidy is thrilled to make her professional stage debut with the cast of Miss Saigon , ready to captivate hearts with her charm and enthusiasm.

Join the Mailing List

Sign up to the gwb entertainment mailing list and be among the first to receive exclusive news from the show, priority ticket releases and all the latest updates by email.

Miss Saigon Broadway Original Cast Revival

Miss Saigon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Heat Is on in Saigon The Movie in My Mind The Dance Why God Why? This Money's Yours Sun and Moon The Telephone Song The Deal The Ceremony What's This I Find The Last Night of the World The Morning of the Dragon I Still Believe This Is the Hour If You Want to Die in Bed Let Me See His Western Nose I'd Give My Life for You Bui-Doi The Revelation What a Waste Please The Fall of Saigon Room 317 Her or Me The Confrontation American Dream The Sacred Bird All Our Children Too Much for One Heart What If He Doesn't Come Back? Overture/Backstage Dreamland Why God Why? Sun And Moon The Telephone Song The Wedding Ceremony (Dju Vui Vai) Thuy's Arrival The Last Night Of The World The Morning Of The Dragon I Still Believe Thuy's Death The Revelation Finale - Act I (I'd Give My Life For You) Opening - Act II (Bui Doi) The Fall Of Saigon Please Kim And Ellen (Room 317) Now That I've Seen Her

Recommended For You

• Off-West End
• West End Special Offers
• Inner London
• Outer London

Other Cities

• Stratford-upon-Avon

Complimentary And Deeply Discounted Shows

Enjoy live events at insider prices. Club members can see a different show every night of the week!

Discount Ticket Alerts

Get exclusive access to priority onsales and special offers, plus never miss out on the biggest stories from the West End, Off-West End and beyond.

By signing up you are confirming you are 16 or over. View our Privacy Policy.

Exclusive: First look behind the scenes at Miss Saigon UK tour

The tour of Cameron Mackintosh’s production opens in Leicester in July

Images have been released giving a glimpse into the rehearsals of the upcoming UK tour of Miss Saigon , which opens in Leicester next month.

The cast of the production includes Red Concepcion (The Engineer), Sooha Kim (Kim), Ashley Gilmour (Chris), Zoë Doano (Ellen) and Gerald Santos (Thuy).

The show opened on Broadway in March following the production's two-year West End run. Last year, producer Cameron Mackintosh said he was "thrilled" that audiences around the UK will get the chance to see "this tremendous new production".

The tour will start at Curve, Leicester on 1 July before touring to Birmingham, Dublin, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Southampton, Manchester, Bristol, Plymouth and Norwich.

Click here to buy tickets for Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon opens at Curve, Leicester on 1 July before embarking on a UK tour.

Related Articles

Tagged In This Story

Latest articles.

Royal Court cancels all performances on election day to encourage voting

writing always, to the end of her days

Review: Miss Saigon UK Tour

Original review: underdog reviews.

Spectacular operatic epic

The Heat is On in Miss Saigon ! An operatic epic inspired by a Puccini opera, Miss Saigon is visually and vocally spectacular: Madame Butterfly with bargirls and G.I.s, it tells the tragic tale of Kim and Chris, a romance grown and gutted by the violence of the Vietnam War.

Miss Saigon shares more than its music-makers with Les Misérables : from Schönberg’s motif-rich music to Boublil’s overlying lyrics, Miss Saigon is also sung-through, has a thieving entertainer who thrives on surviving – Red Concepción’s Engineer is magnetising – is thrillingly theatrical, and has the same thematic threat of revolution on intimate romance. Yet, far from a French revolution, the Fall of Saigon is a tragedy from only forty years ago: the effects are still felt, the wounds are still raw, and history still hasn’t verified the heroes and villains. The musical is mostly from the perspective of the American G.I.s, with Ashley Gilmour’s gorgeously-sung and agonised Chris at the forefront; it’s their view of Vietnam, their arguably amoral actions, and their misguided guilt that moves most of the plot, without always feeling authentic or appropriate.

The contrasting openings of each act are key: in Act I, the Americans are cavorting with the Vietnamese women like corrupt kings – with the only cost to them what they’re willing to pay for the company, of course – yet, in Act II, they’re venerated veterans campaigning to recouple Amerasian children with the Americans who fathered them in Vietnam. It’s a magnificent piece for a male chorus, regally powered by Ryan O’Gorman’s John, but coupled with projections of real Vietnamese children and the tragedies of the first act, in places it feels more uncomfortable than touchingly genuine. It’s a feeling capitalised on later in the act as three white Americans – John, Chris, and Chris’s wife Ellen, a lovelorn Elana Martin – fight over the future of Kim and her son, as Kim sings to the side, alone.

There is an argument that this is a critical view of Vietnam, but the musical has a controversial conception: the composers and most of the creative team are non-Asian, and some of the original principal cast, including Jonathan Pryce’s Engineer, wore prostheses to make them appear more Asian. This, coupled with the visual spectacles and vocal acrobatics that characterise the musical, magnificent though they are, often make it feel closer to glorification than appreciation. It’s not that Miss Saigon glorifies the G.I.s or vilifies the Vietnamese, but there’s something that feels vaguely uncomfortable about its appropriateness and authenticity. This touring revival aims to reclaim its authenticity: from the costumes, with all the G.I.s’ jackets once worn in action, and all the straw hats from Vietnam or Thailand, to the casting, with actors from 10 countries completing the 38-strong company.

The musical may have an uncomfortable conception but the performances are conceived with passion, power, and empathy across the cast. Acielle Santos’s hard-bitten, battle-hardened Gigi begins the bargirls’ haunting hope with gravity and grit; Gerald Santos’s grave general Thuy is gorgeously-sung; and Red Concepción’s Engineer is a glorious, gluttonous antihero. Sooha Kim is a sympathetic Kim, but finds her power in her voice, as she grows from frightened orphan to protective mother. Gilmour is also somewhat sympathetic, although his character Chris is more pitying than empowering to Kim, but he captures the guilt-filled G.I. with grace, even if the peculiar plotting – there’s also an unannounced three-year gap in Act I, and a Nightmare to fill in the gulf in Act II – allows precious little time for him and Kim to fall in love.

Other than the performances, the most impressive element of the musical is the spectacle: from the cinematic sets to the thrilling effects, the evocative lighting to the powerful choreography and fighting, it’s a visual, orchestral, and vocal feast.  Miss Saigon may not be a perfect musical, but it’s impressive, powerful in places, and passionately performed – ‘The Heat is On in Saigon’!

Bristol Hippodrome, 18th April 2018, invited to review, see original review at  Underdog Reviews , cast: Red Concepción, Sooha Kim & Ashley Gilmour, image from  Miss Saigon   UK Tour

Share this:.

Published by totheendofherdays

lover of books, ballet, and a good beer View all posts by totheendofherdays

3 thoughts on “Review: Miss Saigon UK Tour”

I would love to see Miss Saigon again. Too bad I’m not in the UK 😀

Oh no! Have you seen the 25th Anniversary recording?

Like Liked by 1 person

No! Is there one? I listened to the new album that came out about four years ago and thought it was amazing.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar