Hull New Theatre – until 24th January 2026
Reviewed by Anne Walker
5*****
As someone who has never seen the original production, I can honestly say Miss Saigon: The Legend Reborn blew me away – I was moved to tears within the first 5 minutes and didn’t stop until the final curtain fell on a completely full house.
The show tells a sweeping story of love and struggle set against a turbulent period in Southeast Asia, focusing on how ordinary lives are pulled apart and shaped by extraordinary circumstances. No spoilers, but prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.
From the start, the production is breathtaking. Under Jean-Pierre van der Spuy’s direction and overseen by Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison, the staging balances intimate moments with epic scale. Bruno Poet’s lighting and George Reeve’s projections bring every scene to life, from gritty Bangkok streets to dramatic backdrops. The famous helicopter sequence is absolutely an incredible moment and a technical marvel that had the whole audience on the edge of their seats.
The performances were gut-wrenching and incredible across the board. Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer owned the stage with The American Dream – a full-on glittery number with a cynical twist that perfectly captured the character’s complexity. Julianne Pundan, making her professional debut as Kim, had stunning vocals and brings so much heart to the role. Jack Kane’s portrayal of Chris, torn between two worlds, was genuinely moving.
But for me, the standout moment was Dominic Hartley-Harris singing Bui Doi, joined by the ensemble – that song alone was enough to shatter my heart into pieces and set the tone for just how powerful this story is. The music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics from Richard Maltby Jr, Alain Boublil and Michael Mahler, drives every emotion home without ever feeling overdone.
If you get the chance to see this tour, do not miss it – it is a masterclass in theatre that will stay with you long after you leave your seat.