Miss Saigon at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
17 January to 17 February 2018
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
Miss Saigon is a tragic love story of Kim, a naive Vietnamese prostitute and American, Chris at the time of the fall of Vietnam in 1975.
Chris reluctantly spends time with Kim when she is ‘bought’ for him by fellow soldier, John and they fall in love. Chris is forced to leave Vietnam as the US withdraws, Kim is left behind and unknown to Chris pregnant with his son.
Chris does not find out about his son until 3 years later when he has moved on and married Ellen. Chris and Ellen visit Bangkok where Kim and son, Tam now live but with tragic consequences.
The show was lightened by The Engineer and his cheeky character but a stark contract to the emotional toil of war and the pointlessness of sending these young men to this war and the lives lost.
Sooha Kim was perfectly cast in the role of Kim, displaying a delicate innocence with a sweet voice and great chemistry with Chris, Ashley Gilmour.
It is a moving show leaving many with a tear in their eye, for me especially as Ryan O’Gorman performed Bui Doi against the film of the Children of the Vietnam War.
The staging of Miss Saigon was very atmospheric with fabulous special effects especially the helicopter which added to the unfolding drama.
Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre is situated on Nicolson street a short walk from Waverly Station. Its modern glass frontage and airy foyer contrast and compliment the traditional auditorium which host and audience of almost 2000 people over 3 levels. The seating and environment are comfortable, and the theatre is well served with toilets and a bar on each level.
Miss Saigon is running at Edinburgh Festival Theatre until 17 Feb so plenty of opportunity to get tickets but the age guidance of 12 years plus is accurate!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £19 to £65 (booking fees may apply).
Miss Saigon is at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 17 January to 17 February 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.edtheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT | 0131 529 6000
