It’s now over 36 years since the first performance of “Miss Saigon” premiered on the stage of the Theatre Royal in London’s Drury Lane. A tragic love story set within the background of the Vietnam War, it has gone on to become one of the most successful musicals of all time, winning 70 major theatre awards and being performed in 32 countries. It is loved by fans all over the world.
However, if you think you’ve seen this show, think again.
The production currently running at the Bristol Hippodrome is subtitled “The legend reborn” and that is exactly what it is. The iconic music remains largely the same (although the libretto has been updated) but so much about the production has changed into a freshly reimagined version of the original story.
The character of the Engineer has evolved significantly. A far cry from Jonathan Pryce’s original portrayal, Seann Miley Moore is the embodiment of queer Asian excellence and sets the stage alight with humour, pathos and an outstanding voice. The other main characters are also remarkable, and their emotions are palpable from the outset.
The set has changed too. The stage now includes a rotating central platform which allows much greater depth and complexity in the way in which certain parts of the action are focused.
The costumes are updated to create a feeling of natural, less stereotypical representations and the famous special effects, including the helicopter landing, are beyond anything seen before.
What does remain the same is the amazing outpouring of love and appreciation from the audience for a show which takes us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. A standing ovation from the Hippodrome audience was completely inevitable.
Miss Saigon is at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 1st August.
