As an NSTA representative, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the school production of Miss Saigon on Saturday 29th November 2025 at Westholme School, Blackburn. Under the exceptional direction of Mrs Roberts-Lyle and Miss Loudonsack, with choreography by Mrs Barber and Miss Loudonsack, and the musical direction of Mr Holt, this ambitious and emotionally charged production was executed with remarkable professionalism and maturity.
Miss Saigon is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby Jr. It premiered in the West End in 1989, winning the 1990 Olivier award for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical. It then opened on Broadway in 1991, and was nominated for 11 Tony awards that year, eventually winning three. Miss Saigon tells the moving and dramatic story of a young Vietnamese woman, Kim, whose life is transformed by the Vietnam War and her unexpected love for an American soldier. It is a tale of love, sacrifice, identity, and the human cost of conflict.
From the outset, the atmosphere in the auditorium was electric, filled with anticipation for a production known for its intensity and complexity. The staging was thoughtfully designed, with clever use of lighting, props, costume, and technical elements throughout, such as the helicopter. The standard of set, costume, lighting, and sound was exceptionally high, contributing to an immersive and visually rich theatrical experience. Every scene felt purposeful and authentic, helping the audience to fully engage with the unfolding narrative.
The production opened with immediacy and energy, plunging the audience straight into the bustling atmosphere of Saigon. The cast’s powerful stage presence, strong vocals, and committed character work set the tone for a memorable evening.
All of the actors in principal roles gave stunning performances, but several deserve specific recognition. Zak delivered a commanding performance as the Engineer. His characterisation was sharp, charismatic, and brilliantly layered, holding the audience’s attention every moment he appeared on stage. Louka’s portrayal of Chris was deeply endearing. His stage presence was confident yet sensitive, and his connection with Kim felt genuine and heartfelt. Louka beautifully conveyed the character’s vulnerability, particularly in the funeral and finale scenes, which were performed with great emotional depth. As Kim, Olivia was nothing short of astonishing. Her portrayal would not be out of place in the West End. She embodied the role with raw emotional honesty, stunning vocal ability, and exceptional command of character. Her performance was captivating throughout and formed the emotional core of the production. Last but by no means least, Francesca brought strength, poise, and sincerity to the role of Ellen. She handled the character’s complex emotional moments with maturity and grace, delivering a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal.
The ensemble was also outstanding. Each cast member had their moment to shine, contributing individuality and personality to every scene. The dance work was particularly strong, with choreography delivered confidently and with clear intention. Harmonies throughout were tight, controlled, and moving. A standout moment was the wedding ceremony, where stunning vocals, traditional costuming, and tender staging created a beautifully emotive and memorable scene.
The choreography from Mrs Barber and Miss Loudonsack was expressive, impactful, and well-suited to both the narrative and the talent within the cast. Each movement sequence enhanced the emotion of the scene. Under Mr Holt’s musical direction, the vocal work was consistently strong, with challenging harmonies executed with precision and emotional weight.
Producing Miss Saigon at a school level is no small feat, yet Westholme’s cast and crew rose to the challenge with tremendous professionalism. The seamless transitions, demanding vocals, and emotionally intense scenes demonstrated their dedication, resilience, and unity as a team. This was a powerful and deeply moving piece of theatre. The cast and crew delivered a performance filled with passion, emotional integrity, and exceptional talent, leaving a profound impression on the audience.
Westholme’s Miss Saigon showcased the extraordinary impact of performing arts in education. The commitment, artistry, and emotional intelligence displayed by the pupils on stage was truly remarkable. Westholme should be immensely proud of what they achieved; an ambitious, polished, and unforgettable production that highlighted the strength of school theatre at its very best.
National School Theatre Awards
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