Review: Miss Saigon at Theatre Royal Wakefield

Miss Saigon is a credit to the young people, and the production team involved.

The role of Kim is shared by two actresses, Martha-Frances Henry and Bethany Rosamond, and while I saw Martha’s performance, I imagine the incredibly high standard set by her will have been matched by Bethany.

Her mature performance had me almost reaching for the tissues at times and her partnership with Bradley Johnson as Chris was lovely to watch.

WYMT’s productions always have amazing big company numbers and Miss Saigon did not disappoint, with the wedding scene and any of the numbers involving the Engineer and his ‘girls’ being my particular favourites.

There is always a comedic character who steals the scenes, and this show, Alex Hall as the Engineer did certainly that.

My only slight criticism involves the scene in act two where the American troops are forced to fly out of Saigon, leaving Kim, and other wives and children, behind.

This was highly emotional and sung beautifully by Martha, Chris and the company, but was somewhat jarred by the arrival of a digital helicopter on the big screen behind the performers.

Although some audience members seemed to love it, I felt the introduction of special effects wasn’t necessary in a show which shone the brightest when the raw talents of its stars were left to show themselves.