WHAT he lacks in lines he more than makes up for in stage presence.

One of the biggest stars of Miss Saigon - an 18ft golden statue of Ho Chi Minh - was installed at The Mayflower yesterday as preparations continued for the three-month run of the smash West End musical.

Weighing more than a quarter of a ton, the metal and fibreglass structure was lowered gently from the back of a trailer before being lifted by forklift truck to a stage access area at the back of the theatre.

Another large-scale prop was also unloaded yesterday - the life-size helicopter which makes a dramatic landing in one of the musical's most memorable scenes.

A fleet of 27 trucks, each 45ft long, will spend a week unloading props, costumes and equipment for the show, which opens at The Mayflower on Friday, September 19.

The theatre has been closed since May because of improvements, but sales for Miss Saigon have now passed £2 million, making it one of the fastest-selling shows in Mayflower history.

"It's great to have the theatre back in business. To start with such a huge show is really exciting," said marketing boss Paul Lewis.

"We've never had a production this big before. We're on course for the biggest opening box office figure we've ever had."

For two of the show's cast, currently performing the musical in Birmingham, the Southampton run will be extra special.

David Shannon and Ima Castro, who play the two leads, will be getting married in Southampton in October.

The show runs from September 19 to December 13. Box office: 023 8071 1811.