Miss Saigon – Review – Grand Theatre, Leeds

By Gail Schuster, December 2025

There was a buzz of excitement in Leeds Grand Theatre. Miss Saigon, with its sweeping score and heart-wrenching narrative, promised an evening of theatrical grandeur – and it did not disappoint. From the very first note, the audience is transported to the last days of the Vietnam war, before the fall of Saigon and into the Dreamland nightclub, immersing us in the unfolding tragedy.

Within the seedy atmosphere of the bar, we see Kim, a young Vietnamese woman, rendered vulnerable by the devastation of war. Julianne Pundan, captures Kim’s desperation and resilience, who with few options, is compelled to accept sex work at Dreamland after the loss of her home and family. The club is run by the cunning and opportunistic Engineer, who is always scheming to secure his own future amongst the chaos. Amidst the throng of GIs, we meet John and, most significantly, Chris, whose tender relationship with Kim, and their heartbreaking separation, forms the emotional core of the production.

Central to Miss Saigon are its principal characters, each brought vividly to life by a talented cast who drive the dramatic storyline.

“Raw emotion”

Seann Miley Moore’s portrayal of the Engineer was infused with wit, menace and charisma. Moore skilfully balanced the character’s manipulative charm with layers of vulnerability, making the Engineer both compelling and unpredictable. His performance of, ‘The American Dream’ really was a showstopper, made more impactful by the dazzling lighting and inventive staging. Miley Moore commanded the stage, surrounded by an ensemble in crisp white shorts and sequinned hats, a spectacle that captured the allure and excesses of the Engineer’s American Dream. This sequence was one of theatrical brilliance and was a real highlight of the evening.

In direct contrast to the Engineer is Kim. Pundan captured her innocence and inner strength with genuine sensitivity. Her renditions of poignantly charged numbers such as, ‘Sun and Moon’ and ‘I’d Give My Life for You’ were delivered with such vocal clarity and raw emotion that they stood out as memorable moments in the show. The actor’s ability to convey Kim’s hope and despair brought an authenticity to the role, which moved many to tears in the final scene.

Jack Kane brought warmth and sincerity to the role of Chris, communicating the inner turmoil and complexity of his feelings for Kim. His voice blended beautifully with Pundan’s in the duet, ‘Sun and Moon’ and he gave a convincing performance in, ‘Why God Why?’ which expresses the moral conflict and confusion he is feeling. The chemistry between Kane and Pundan worked well and made their scenes together both believable and moving.

The lighting by Bruno Poet was remarkable, contributing significantly to the immersive atmosphere of the production. The creative use of lighting and shadows heightened the tension and drama, especially during pivotal moments such as the fall of Saigon.

“Human spirit”

The helicopter scene has changed significantly in this version of the musical. It is no longer a large, physical helicopter prop which lands on stage. Instead, the scene is created using skilful lighting design, powerful sound effects, projections and the underneath of a helicopter hovering just above the stage. These combine to create a sense of chaos and urgency as Saigon falls and add to the emotional impact of the event on the different characters.

Overall, Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy’s Miss Saigon is a masterclass in storytelling and stagecraft. The cast, creative team and orchestra work in harmony to deliver an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant. Every element, from the evocative set design by Andrew D Edwards to the stirring musical numbers, serves to draw the audience deeper in, ensuring the narrative’s emotional beats land with full force.

Miss Saigon remains as powerful and relevant as ever today, reminding us of the enduring human spirit in times of conflict as well as the cost to people caught up in it. Some members of the audience were clearly moved by the poignant conclusion, but all responded with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.

images: Danny Kaan

Gail Schuster( Writer )

Gail is a woman with many interests.  She loves a bracing walk through the countryside, filling her lungs with air and enjoying the flora and fauna along the way. An animal lover, she has found herself sharing her home with creatures with four, six and eight legs, though some of the ones with a higher number of legs have been introduced by her daughter! A keen theatre goer, Gail once ran the entertainment section of her work’s social club. When she’s not walking or enjoying a performance, you can usually find her in the garden or cooking up something in the kitchen. An enthusiastic home cook who likes to try her hand at new dishes which are mostly appreciated by her husband and daughter, broccoli roulade or cauliflower pizza aside. Able to converse in several languages, Gail eventually found her cosy corner in her adopted Yorkshire.

You do not have any posts.