Lea Salonga originated the role of ‘Kim’ in Miss Saigon in the West End and on Broadway, winning both the Oliver and Tony Awards for Best Actress. She also has a long association with Les Miserables, as the first actress of Asian descent to play the roles of Éponine and Fantine on Broadway, and performing in both the 10th and 25th anniversary concerts in London. A certified Disney legend, she also performed the singing voices of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan, famous for her renditions of “A Whole New World” and “Reflection” respectively. In addition to her extensive touring throughout Asia and tenure as a coach on The Voice (Philippines), Salonga’s Broadway credits also include Flower Drum Song, Allegiance and Once on This Island.

This is Lea’s first show at The London Palladium.

Lea Salonga: I feel very, very excited! This is one of those theatres that you want to perform at, so this will be a lot of fun for sure!

Lea was set to come to The London Palladium earlier this year but a broken leg meant that the show was postponed until this month. But a matinee show was added due to popular demand. 

LS: I’m recovering very well. My leg is almost back to normal now, and will be by the time I get there.

This is Lea’s first solo tour in the UK. What can we expect from a Lea Salonga show?

LS: There will be a lot of music, plenty of stories, and a lot of laughs.

From stage to the silver screen and everything in between, Lea’s repertoire is vast.

LS: I don’t have one favourite, but I tend to treat each song I sing as if it was.

With the new Aladdin out this year and the Mulan live action film set for release in 2020, these Disney classics are being refreshed for a new generation. And it was Lea Salonga who voiced the the characters for some of their most iconic songs. 

LS: Oh my gosh, it feels so fantastic to have had a crack at both of those roles, singing-wise. It’s wonderful to be part of those films’ histories, and I’m thrilled that now a new generation of strong young women get their chance to interpret them for new audiences.

Lea Salonga comes to The London Palladium on Sun 21 July. Get tickets here.