A legendary musical is reborn in the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon, which is now touring the UK and Ireland. Boublil and Schönberg’s stirring work draws on real history to tell the story of 17-year-old local girl Kim, who meets American GI Chris in a bar during the final days of the Vietnam War. The lovers are torn apart by the fall of Saigon, leading to an unforgettable journey of survival.
This epic tour, produced by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh, and directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, stars actor and singer Jack Kane (Years and Years) as Chris and, making her exciting professional debut, Julianne Pundan as Kim.
Did you know Miss Saigon before you joined the show?
Jack Kane: Yes, I grew up with it – it’s my mum’s favourite ever musical! We played Miss Saigon in the car all the time. I then saw the 2014 West End production and cried through the whole thing.
Julianne Pundan: I watched the amazing Miss Saigon documentary with [original Kim actress] Lea Salonga, and it completely inspired me. Seeing someone who looked just like me doing what I love most in the world gave me such hope. Actually, now getting to play Kim feels like a dream come true.
How did you put your stamp on your character?
Kane: The creative team told me that they liked how, in my audition, I brought a kind of innocent energy to Chris – I think my version is more naïve than you might have seen before. Then we took a very sensitive approach in rehearsal, layering in those real-life experiences and the complex journey he goes on from this kid to a man.
Pundan: Every Kim has been so different. I definitely feel I’ve been able to bring something fresh since this is a new production of the show, and I wanted to portray her as a strong, independent woman who goes through so much, and holds her power with love and hope. Her legacy is really important to so many people.
How did you develop the all-important love story between Chris and Kim?
Kane: We worked really closely with JP and our intimacy coordinator. For both me, and Julianne, it’s our first ever musical, and it’s an intimate one, so we approached it slowly and respectfully. Our chemistry has evolved so much – you really can’t fake it! Luckily we get on really well in real life too, because the romance is so key: you have to feel these two young people finding love in the midst of war and horror.
Pundan: I was a bit nervous about the intimacy of it because I’ve never done it before, but we had a lot of guidance, and Jack’s been an amazing partner. It definitely helps having a good relationship outside of work. Kim goes through so much, and she has a big heart – that’s hugely important to us, understanding her motivations and her courage, how she fights for love. It’s heroic.
How have you drawn on the real history and places in the story?
Kane: Doing research is really paramount to getting under the skin of these characters. Chris’s story spans a three-year period starting in the middle of a war. [Director] JP has such a deep understanding of the era, and he recommended lots of amazing books and documentaries. We were also lucky enough to speak to professionals during rehearsal who have experience of complex PTSD. We’re definitely taking a grittier, more grounded approach in this production – it’s very strongly character-based.
Pundan: We had pictures up during rehearsal from that time. We feel really privileged to be able to represent the real people in this conflict, and we also have two Vietnamese performers in the cast who were like cultural consultants, helping us with little details to make everything more authentic and offering brilliant insights.
What is your favourite song in the show?
Kane: I love “Sun and Moon” – I’m such a sucker for a duet! It’s all about two people discovering each other. The language Kim uses is so poetic, and then Chris joins her and is inspired by her.
Pundan: It’s so hard to choose just one. I think my favourite is “I’d Give My Life for You”, which I sang throughout the audition process. It’s such a turning point for Kim: she’s gone on this journey and grown into her power, and she’s holding on because of love, both romantic love and maternal love. That’s so beautiful.
Do you think the story particularly resonates with audiences right now?
Kane: Absolutely. Art should hold up a mirror to society, and this piece is so thoughtful about the horrific effects of war, especially on children. This is a time when we desperately need Miss Saigon.
Pundan: The story shows the impact of war on everybody, from soldiers and refugees to families who are torn apart. Kim is a refugee from the beginning: she’s lost her family. We’re telling stories of real lives that were impacted, just like many people are right now.
How are you finding the Miss Saigon tour?
Kane: I’m absolutely loving it! We’ve been so spoiled with all the places we’ve been to so far, getting standing ovations in all these beautiful theatres. When I tour with my own music, I’m usually only in a city for one night, but we’ve had a bit of time to get to know all these great places. I’m really excited to visit Ireland – I’ve done a couple of gigs there, and the audiences are incredible. My family, who are from Hertfordshire, have come to every venue so far. They surprise me with when they’re coming, so that keeps me on my toes.
Pundan: It’s so much fun. My favourite thing is getting to each venue for the first time and just taking it in, thinking, “I used to be in that audience, and now I’m up on stage.” It’s really heart-warming talking to fans at the stage door and seeing how much they’re enjoying it – the response is just electric. I feel like we must be doing something right. It was so nice having my family in Newcastle for our opening: they were crying the second they saw me on stage.
Miss Saigon is at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tue 12 May to Sat 23 May.
For more information, please call the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or visit norwichtheatre.org.
