Boublil and Schönberg’s famed musical is coming back to the Liverpool stage, bringing the heart-wrenching story of lost love and heartache back to life. As a result, Miss Saigon has embarked on a UK tour, also visiting Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Aberdeen and many more cities across the country.
The actors
Produced by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, Miss Saigon is also the manifestation of multiple dreams coming true for its cast. Julianne Pundan, who plays Kim, is marking her professional debut after graduating from Brit School, alongside actor and singer, Jack Kane as Chris, who has a background in film. What is more, semi-finalist of The Voice UK, actor Ace is the third to make a professional debut at Miss Saigon, playing Gigi.
Plus, the star of the show has to be Seann Miley Moore (X Factor UK), starring as The Engineer, known for his acclaimed performances during the Australian tour of the show.
The plot
Miss Saigon is set in 1975 and 1978 at the very end of the Vietnam War, as 17-year-old Kim is forced to work at a shady bar run by The Engineer. There, she meets US Marine Sergeant Chris, falling in love instantly. In a twisted turn of fate, the pair gets separated during the mayhem of the army being urgently evacuated, with life taking unexpected turns for both.
Is Miss Saigon worth a trip to the theatre?
Secret Liverpool got the chance to witness the moving story of the timeless classic for ourselves. Firstly, I have to take my hat off to set and costume designer Andrew D. Edwards, as the detail-oriented set with its earthy tones was a delight to witness throughout. Moreover, the vocals are another focal point of the production, with casting choices heavily reflecting that. Each cast member possesses an incredible voice, and you don’t have to be a musical genius to appreciate the talent.
Overall, Miss Saigon has been immortalised since launching in 1989 for a reason, bringing a musical that is not just song and dance – it is a story that will touch most hearts – leaving a lasting impact.
Of the new revival, Cameron Mackintosh comments: “35 years after Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical MISS SAIGON first opened to international success, I am delighted that this powerful, heart-wrenching love story has remained timeless around the world.
The story of two young people – an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl – who fall in love as their lives are torn apart by war, ultimately causing a mother to sacrifice her life for her child has become a worldwide hit, as well as one of the most popular musicals ever in Asian countries, with separate companies regularly playing in Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore.
The recent hugely successful Sheffield Crucible production took a contemporary look at this great musical, and that inspired producer Michael Harrison and I to also take a fresh look at Miss Saigon and create a modern version that can play many theatres that the original was unable to do.
Directing this exciting new production is Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, who recently directed the acclaimed Australian Opera production of Miss Saigon, and with Matthew Bourne is co-directing my hugely successful new production of Oliver! in the West End. Like the phoenix that is so central to the show’s story, Miss Saigon will rise again next year – a legend reborn”
Michael Harrison continues, “It is thrilling to be collaborating with Cameron on a brand-new production of Miss Saigon. Millions of people around the world have been moved by its riveting story, messages of family and enduring love, and by Boublil and Schönberg’s majestic score. I am delighted that we can now bring this story to audiences throughout the country in a brilliant and modern production.”
Miss Saigon is playing at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool between April 21 and May 2, 2026, and you can book your tickets here.