Because of this I went in with the highest of expectations. I know the music inside out, I have sung the songs myself for auditions, I have watched Madame Butterfly at The Royal Albert Hall knowing Puccini's opera was the basis for the story of Miss Saigon. And I have to say, despite everything, my expectations were not only met, there were blown out of the water.
I sat enthralled as the action unfolded in front of me, as the girls danced, the soldiers groped and the Engineer, well, engineered!
The first act was long, but never lost pace. The staging was superb, with scenes changing around as the action continued. The helicopter scene was a thing of brilliance, they even had fans blowing onto the audience (or at least they did in the stalls where I was sat), to imitate the down draft of the blades. Another amazing scene was during the song The Morning of The Dragon. A whole cast master class on stage presence.
Every single cast member held their own on a stage filled with exceptional talent. Jon Jon Briones shone as the Engineer and brought a sense of manic humour and underlying brutality to the role. The American Dream scene was so well played it didn't seem out of place at all.
Eva Noblezada as Kim and Alistair Brammer as Chris had me shivering as they sang their duets in the first act. Such amazing chemistry between the two added to the realness of their scenes.
Both Hugh Manard as John and Kwang-Ho Hang as Thuy played their roles with precision. Manard switched from the brash soldier to the considered diplomat very well and Thuy was played with an air of evilness that role needs.
Tamsin Carroll as Ellen sang amazingly well in the second act, although I was not altogether convinced of the relationship between her and Alistair as Chris. Somthing just didn't look or feel quite right.
A special mention has to go to Rachelle AnnGo as Gigi. Her reactionary acting in every scene she was in was second to none.
Miss Saigon tells an epic story of love, war and separation. I would not suggest this show for children or anyone of a sensitive disposition. Scenes of simulated sex, erotic dancing and continued swearing are found throughout the show.
However f you are not offended by such things, it is all acting after all, and you want to come out of the theatre feeling exhausted both emotionally and physically, then Miss Saigon is for you. Miss Saigon is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street in London.