What a show! This is an unmissable show for this Festive Season…get yourself a ticket!

The show is based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, but this time set in the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

We follow Kim (Julianne Pundan), a young Vietnamese woman forced to work in a Saigon bar, and Chris (Jack Kane), an American soldier, as they fall in love with one another, amidst the chaos of war, and all it entails. Their relationship is brought to an abrupt end, as the US troops are forced to evacuate as Saigon falls to the new regime and becomes Ho Chi Minh City.  Chris is forced to leave his love behind.

Unknown to Chris, Kim is pregnant with their son. We then jump ahead a few years, with Chris – and his new wife Ellen (Emily Langham) building a new life together, Chris thinking he will never see Kim again. Kim clings on to the hope that Chris will return for her and their son Tam.

It’s probably no surprise to know that this is a tragic love story, so for at least 1 of the characters it doesn’t end well.

The acting and singing is just spot on. In fact the singing – particularly Julianne Pundan as Kim in her professional stage debut, is impressively sublime. Her’s is a stunning performance, with a mix of innocence and passion, and her singing is beautiful. She is definitely an actress to watch. I shall certainly be watching out for her in future!

Jack Kane as Chris was also very good.  However, special mention much go to Seann Miley Moore as The Engineer. In a piece that is known for its tragic love story, and soaring melodies, the Engineer is the foil, to provide balance. He played it very similarly to the Emcee in Cabaret – with a campness, but also malevolence. This is a man who takes every opportunity to get what he can out of any situation he is faced with, whether that is the GIs in decadent Saigon, or pretending to be Kim’s brother – and more importantly, Tam’s uncle, in order to get to America. The crescendo of this is his delicious performance of American Dream!

Dominic Hartley-Harris as John, Chris’ friend, also deserves singling out, not least for his moving performance of ‘Bui Doi’ at the start of the second half.  This is a lovely song about the lost children born from war.

Finally one small – but worthy – mention for little Samantha Reese Camiguing as Tam. What a cutie!

The show is full of beautiful melodies, but it is also a visual feast. The most effective set pieces are Saigon and later Bangkok. But the most striking visual feature is the helicopter rescuing the American troops from the US Embassy! It is very effectively done.

This era of modern history is maybe less well told than others, but nonetheless Miss Saigon packs a powerful punch in telling the story of the personal as well as historical tragedies. It’s a show that lingers in the mind.

It is an incredible show, and is one that should not be missed! I went with a friend and our two daughters, and we all enjoyed it, possibly for different reasons.

It’s on at Oxford New Theatre until 3rd January.

See more here: https://miss-saigon.com/