Miss Saigon has announced that Carolyn Maitland will join its leading cast from Thursday to cover the role of Ellen while Siobhan Dillon takes time off from the show to recover from an operation.
The news was released on a statement on Twitter that explained its current star Dillon will be taking a three month break from the production to undergo treatment following an operation and will return to the legendary show from 19 October.
The Company of Miss Saigon is pleased to welcome back @CarolynMaitland to play the role of Ellen until (cont) http://t.co/teuoyOJShA
— Miss Saigon (@MissSaigonUK) July 27, 2015
Maitland is well prepared to take on the role following a stint understudying the role of Ellen last year when she performed in Miss Saigon as part of this revival’s original company. While this will mark the actor’s first major leading role, she is no stranger to the London stage with musical theatre credits including From Here To Eternity, Kiss, Me Kate and Legally Blonde The Musical.
Commenting on the casting news, Maitland said she was “delighted to be back with my Saigon family”.
Thursday Matinee ???? Thank you for all the lovely tweets I’m getting x I’m delighted to be back with my saigon family???? https://t.co/oIcn78GM8j
— Carolyn Maitland (@CarolynMaitland) July 27, 2015
Welcome back to @MissSaigonUK family, @CarolynMaitland ! #LetsPlay #JustLikeRidingABike
— Jon Jon Briones (@JonJonBriones) July 27, 2015
Miss Saigon returned to the London stage in 2014, 25 years after its initial 1989 premiere when it earned its iconic status for its epic Vietnam War-set love story. Producer Cameron Mackintosh recently announced it had extended its booking period at the Prince Edward Theatre for a final time and will now close on 27 February 2016.
Theatre fans wanting to catch the show before it closes can book tickets through us. Alternatively, families with older children can take advantage of our kids go free promotion Kids Week, which offers a free child’s ticket for every full price ticket purchased for performances in August.