AS a lover of musical theatre, Miss Saigon was a completely new spectacle to me, having never seen the show before.

But what I wasn't prepared for, was the powerful performances and overwhelmingly emotional storyline that I would be watching on stage.

Miss Saigon tells the story of the last days of the Vietnam War, as 17 year-old Kim (Sooha Kim) is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer (Red Concepcion).

There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris (Ashley Gilmour) but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

For three years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris - who has no idea he's fathered a son.

The tale is heartwrenching and with so many things happening on stage - it is a feast for the eyes. One particular stand out - is when a life size helicopter lands and takes off on the stage. It really is quite the remarkable scene - and you hear it, before you see it. 

Sooha Kim is perfect in the role of village girl Kim - she is naive, innocent and a strong character. She shows a determination holding onto her dream to be reuinted with her American soldier. And her voice is completely powerful.

Red Concepcion is fantastic as the Engineer - who you can't help but love, despite his character traits. 

Miss Saigon is on at the Birmingham Hippodrome until September 23.

For tickets, call 0844 338 5000 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com.