Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to present a new touring production of the global stage sensation, Miss Saigon and audiences in the North East will be the first to see the epic spectacular when it opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Sat 4 – Sat 25 Oct 2025) before embarking on a major UK tour.
Miss Saigon has been performed in 33 countries and been seen by over 38 million people worldwide, Ben Fenwick who will be performing in the ensemble is from Newcastle, we caught up with him to find out what it means to be part of such a phenomenal production.
What inspired you to pursue a musical theatre career? Did you train locally as a child before professional training? At what age did you start performing?
I have always had an interest in musical theatre and acting. I was introduced to the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber from a really young age and I started stage school when I was nine, in North Tyneside. I attended for about eight years, and it did wonders for my confidence and kills development. I also used to participate in my high school productions too, which I enjoyed.
How does it feel performing at your home theatre in such a major production?
It’s a huge full-circle moment to be performing at the Theatre Royal, having been here many times as a child to watch performances. I remember watching Joseph here about 17 years ago and being so young, not realising that the show had started! It is the place that inspired me to pursue my chosen career, and I will never forget how lucky I was to have access to this building.
I played the Theatre Royal for the first time last Autumn in Heathers and I can’t wait to be treading the boards this time with Miss Saigon in its Newcastle debut. It is a dream show of mine and an honour to be opening the tour at my home venue.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing in the Newcastle run of Miss Saigon?
I’m excited to see how the production develops through previews and how we will all become familiar with the clockwork of the show. I’m excited to see what my friends and family think of the show, as most of them are unfamiliar with it. I also really can’t wait to hear the orchestra eight times a week. Being able to piece all parts of the puzzle together in a place that I have dreamed about is a blessing. Kicking the tour off in Newcastle with all the pressures that come with opening a new adaptation of a show, including technical rehearsals, will be so great for us, as most Geordies are friendly and down to earth, which really helps with company morale. I also can’t wait to spend time on the coast whenever I have any free time.
What does be part of the ensemble in Miss Saigon mean to you?
It’s great to be involved in a piece that encourages the ensemble to be playful and use each
other to aid the storytelling. For example, Bui-Doi is one of my favourite songs of all time, yet
such a vulnerable moment in the show for the GIs when they’re reflecting on the children who were left behind during the Vietnam War. I’m finding that this material is allowing me to grow as an actor, which I’m grateful for. Also, being able to cover the role of Chris is so amazing. It comes with its challenges, which I’m looking forward to overcoming.
You’re performing alongside big names like Seann Miley Moore – what have you learned
from watching them on stage or during rehearsals?
Seann is one of the most fearless performers I have ever worked with. They are constantly
reminding me to be brave and make bold choices.
What’s the most challenging number or moment to perform in rehearsals so far, and
why?
I find that the most difficult number so far is probably Dreamland near the opening of the show because it is so detailed and fast-paced which can sometimes be tricky to marry together when we are rehearsing. It’s also a very busy moment in the show, using lots of props, plus the revolving stage, which takes a bit of getting used to!
This tour has barely started, but what are your dream future roles or creative projects?
I would love to do a Sondheim at some point. Sweeney Todd is one of my favorites. As much as I have a passion for musical theatre, I would also love to explore more screen acting projects, and I would love to do a play. I’m open-minded to whatever the future holds.
What advice would you give to young performers from regional areas like Newcastle
aiming for professional musical theatre careers?
Watch as much as you can! Even the unheard-of stuff. Research the industry, gather an idea of who’s who and how the industry operates. Also read play scripts and books on acting technique, although ones that are easy to understand! Try and join a stage school if you haven’t already.
Meeting like-minded people is important. Finally, listen to soundtracks and again, not just the
mainstream stuff. From there, you can build up a potential repertoire and find songs which you really like!
Miss Saigon plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Sat 4 – Sat 25 Oct 2025. Tickets can be urchased
after the booking dates below at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office
on 0191 232 7010.