Review: Miss Saigon, Oakengates Theatre
A standing ovation from an almost full-house was deserved reward for a talented group of young performers who brought the Vietnam War graphically to life on stage in Telford.
Miss Saigon is not an easy show and the burden for its success generally falls on the shoulders of the young woman who plays Vietnamese heroine Kim.
Fortunately for producer Debbie Owen, she had a real star in Charlie Wood.
Not only was she vocally strong, she had an acting depth and a great stage presence.
She also had a strong rapport with Dylan Evans, who impressed as GI Chris, and was well supported by a strong cast of principals.
Special mention too of Freya Adlington, as Kim's young son Tam who stayed in character through a range of emotional scenes.
Comic relief was provided brilliantly by Thomas (Ted) Morris with a camp but controlled performance as pimp-spiv Engineer.
To produce such an impressive show in just two weeks is a testament to the hard work of the performers and directors, Miss Owen and So You Think You Can Dance? finalist Gavin Ysang.
The only downside was that they only got to show off their creation once – the show deserved a longer run.
Ann Clarkson
