Stunning Revival Soars In Leeds

The new UK tour of Miss Saigon opened at the Leeds Grand Theatre this week, filling the beautiful venue, and deservedly so. What unfolded on stage was a breathtaking, emotionally charged production that earned its packed audience a lengthy standing ovation.

Right from the start, the show dazzles with its extraordinary set design. The production team has created a world that feels truly alive, pulling the audience straight into 1970s Saigon. The special effects are nothing short of spectacular, culminating in the iconic helicopter scene, which remains one of musical theatre’s most impressive technical achievements. Even for seasoned fans, it was a goosebump moment.

At the heart of this production is a phenomenally talented cast. Seann Miley Moore (the Engineer) is nothing short of brilliant. His character is a true showman but with a sly undercurrent. He stitches the story together, and his humour offers much-needed relief to balance with the harrowing tale of trauma and loss. Moore’s rendition of The American Dream was a standout moment; it was flamboyant and wildly entertaining.

As Kim, Julianne Pundan commands the stage from her first note. Her voice is exquisite, pure and powerful, and the audience falls in love with her straight away. Her chemistry with Chris (Jack Kane) feels genuine and heartfelt; Kane brings both strength and tenderness to the role, making their duets, especially Sun and Moon, deeply moving.

The orchestra deserves high praise for delivering Schönberg and Boublil’s score with precision and warmth. The music soared through the theatre, adding emotional dimension to already dramatic scenes. “Bui Doi” in particular was performed with vocal excellence and was highly emotional.

A particularly touching highlight was the performance by 7-year-old Lucas Minton as Tam. Despite having no dialogue, Lucas conveyed innocence, fear and hope. He added a heightened emotion during his scenes, a remarkable achievement for such a young performer.

Overall, this tour of Miss Saigon is a triumph: visually stunning, emotionally gripping and full of unforgettable performances. It honours the legacy of the original while feeling fresh and contemporary.

It really is a must-see revival of a modern musical classic.

Dom Hartley-Harris (John) and Company Photo Danny Kaan

Miss Saigon at Leeds Grand until 13th December. More information here
For further information on tour dates across the north, click here.