Julianne Pundan soars as Kim in UK’s ‘Miss Saigon’ revival

A new chapter in Miss Saigon’s storied legacy is about to unfold—and at its heart is a bright young Filipino talent ready to make history on the international stage.

Seventeen-year-old Julianne Pundan has been officially cast as Kim in the United Kingdom’s upcoming revival of Miss Saigon, the iconic West End and Broadway musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. The casting was announced via Miss Saigon UK’s official social media channels, introducing Pundan to the world as the new face of a character deeply rooted in Filipino theater history.

“I feel so privileged, so honored,” Pundan shared in a video released by the production. “Miss Saigon is this insane musical. The score is stunning, the story is powerful, and the role of Kim—it’s just all so beautiful. To be given the chance to play her, I’m beyond grateful.”

Following in legendary footsteps

For Pundan, the role carries more than just the weight of performance—it carries legacy. Her journey into musical theater was ignited by none other than Lea Salonga, the original Kim, whose groundbreaking performance in the early ’90s set the global stage for Filipino artists in international theater.

“When I was younger, I watched the documentary of Lea Salonga auditioning for Miss Saigon, and that changed everything for me,” Pundan recalled. “It gave me that little push—maybe I could do this, too. And now, to think I’m the same age she was when she auditioned, and I’m Filipino like her, and now I get to play Kim—it’s just surreal.”

A diverse and dynamic cast

Pundan isn’t the only Filipino bringing the heat to the stage. Joining her in the cast is Seann Miley Moore, the Filipino-British singer and theater artist who will take on the role of the enigmatic Engineer.

“Coming back to the UK to play The Engineer feels like coming full circle,” Moore shared. “I’m half-Filipino, half-British—and after performing this role across Australia and Asia, I’m ready to bring big slay-sian energy to the UK stage. The Engineer, but through my eyes.”

The Miss Saigon UK cast is a bold and multicultural ensemble poised to breathe new life into a beloved classic. Jack Kane stars as Chris, with Dom Hartley-Harris as John, Emily Langham as Ellen, Mikko Juan as Thuy, ACE as Gigi, and Bea Ward as alternate Kim. Aaron Teoh will also serve as an alternate Engineer.

The ensemble features a strong international lineup, including Filipino and Asian performers like Ryan Ocampo, Julius Sahr, Shania Montevalde, Caleb Lagayan, and Aaron Gonzales—further emphasizing the show’s dedication to authentic, diverse casting.

A revival rooted in representation

This staging of Miss Saigon, running from October 2025 to April 2026, marks a significant moment not only for UK theatergoers, but for Filipino representation on the global stage. In recent years, conversations around identity, diversity, and cultural sensitivity have reshaped the landscape of musical theater—and this production is poised to rise to that occasion.

For Julianne Pundan, the moment isn’t just about making her professional debut—it’s about carrying the hopes of a new generation of Filipino performers.

“It’s more than just a role,” she said. “It’s about honoring the stories of people like Kim, and giving voice to a journey that’s still so relevant today. I just want to do her justice. And if my story inspires someone the way Lea inspired me, then that’s the greatest success of all.”

A star on the rise

As the curtain prepares to rise on this new chapter of Miss Saigon, all eyes will be on Julianne Pundan—an actress, a dreamer, and now, the newest keeper of a legacy that began with a young Filipina on a London stage over three decades ago.

With powerful vocals, raw emotion, and a deep sense of purpose, Pundan is ready to take her place in the spotlight—and remind the world just how far Filipino talent can soar.