Miss Saigon At Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Leanne W
There is a gentle sense of familiarity to Miss Saigon at Theatre Royal Nottingham, a production that leans into the musical’s long standing emotional pull. As it explores themes of love, separation, and sacrifice. It invites the audience to connect emotionally and reflectively. This current version remains true to the musical’s enduring ability to move, offering a heartfelt experience shaped by empathy and tenderness.
The story centres on Kim (Julianne Pundan) and her brief, life shaping love with American GI Chris (Daniel J Brian), set against the final days of the Vietnam War where aged 17 she is forced to work in a bar frequented by the raucous GIs and run by the formidable The Engineer (Seann Miley Moore) who influences the relationship. Thuy (Mikko Juan) the man who she was expected to marry before her arrival in Saigon, and Ellen (Emily Langham) Chris’s new wife, further shape a story driven by love, separation, and sacrifice. For 3 years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s become a father to Tam (Favian Costales).
This production is Directed by Jean Pierre Van Der Spuy and Musical direction under Ben Mark Turner. This is beautifully supported by Choreography by Chrissie Cartwright and Carrie Ann Ingrouille.
The awe-inspiring set designed by Andrew D Edwards and supported by the projections of George Reeve and enhanced by the Lighting design crafted by Bruno Poet and sound by Adam Fisher. The infamous helicopter sequence is reimagined through sound and projection, trading mechanical spectacle for a more impressionistic sense of chaos and escape, the scene remains theatrically powerful and effective, relying on atmosphere and urgency rather than spectacle alone. The set shifts and moves seamlessly between venues but the greatest spectacle is the fabulous ‘The American Dream scene with the tremendously camp and cheeky Engineer and the super quick ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ costume change as he is lifted up by a enormous and glittering dollar sign.
Julieanne Pundan making her professional debut as Kim is outstanding, her voice in particular demonstrating that this is likely the first of many lead roles. The Engineer (Seann Miley Moore) is also a powerhouse of a performer, and this role paves the way for them to continue a long and prospering career. Sadly, one aspect I did feel could have done with further development was the characterisation – everything seemed to happen so quickly we didn’t get an opportunity to build empathy for the characters nor see a truly believable and instant all-consuming relationship truly develop between Kim and Chris; nor to truly understand the desperation of the girls in Saigon; and Chris’s wife’s despair at the prospect of losing her husband to another woman as she comes to accept the side of her husband she never truly knew. Additionally, throughout the whole performances there were many moments where diction was entirely lost, this may be the location of my seat but was certainly not helped by the volume.
Nevertheless, the production remains moving and theatrically powerful, reaffirming the musical’s enduring ability to resonate with audiences.
The musical runs until Saturday 4th April 2026 with tickets available for limited performances.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets: £25.50 to £65.50
For more information or to book tickets, vist trch.co.uk
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND