This review of Operation Mincemeat is by Bethany Chandler. The musical offers a unique and quirky insight into a real-life World War II operation, blending historical intrigue with fast-paced comedy. With standout performances and an array of musical styles, this show manages to entertain while shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the war.

A Wacky WWII Tale

Operation Mincemeat follows the true story of a World War II operation, based in 1943, where we join MI5 as they struggle to strategise how to win the war. Set, largely, in the confines of the MI5 headquarters, we gain a ‘Horrible Histories’-style insight into how some of the more crazy schemes were constructed during the course of the war.

The Plot and Pace

Whilst watching the show, it’s almost hard to believe that such schemes did actually happen because it is so incredibly wacky. This does mean that, at times, you can get lost within the plot as there is so much information to digest. Songs are also incredibly fast-paced, which makes for fun viewing but can make it easy to miss important parts of the plot.

Music and Atmosphere

Music is, of course, a huge factor in Operation Mincemeat. We’re first introduced to all of the characters via a fast-paced musical number. This continues throughout the 2 hour 35 minutes run-time, mixing musical genres of rap, show tunes, boy band-pop, and tear-jerking ballads.

Impressive Props and Staging

The usage of props and staging is particularly impressive as, despite being largely based in the dingy basement of the MI5 headquarters, the story manages to portray the entirety of the war. We travel from London, to Spain, to Germany as the entire cast jump in and out of various characters, shifting seamlessly alongside the ever-changing settings.

Standout Performances

Two particular standouts for me have to be Christian Andrews (playing the role of Hester Leggat and ‘others’) and Holly Sumpton (playing the role of Ewen Montagu and ‘others’). Both actors do a fantastic job of filling the stage with their wit and larger-than-life portrayals of their characters.

The Final Moments

Sumpton shines particularly in the last glittering finale (aptly named ‘A Glitzy Finale’) where she truly takes charge of the stage in a spectacularly on-the-nose performance. Andrews, on the other hand, breaks the hearts of the entire audience in his solo performance of ‘Dear Bill’; a beautiful ballad which portrays the sorrow of those left to continue at home during the war.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Operation Mincemeat is a kooky, fast-paced, cheesy yet self-aware musical. It does a great job of pulling interest into a lesser-known aspect of the war, and the stellar cast manages to keep its audience both entertained and engaged up until the very last second.

Operation Mincemeat is currently playing at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End, where it has extended its run through to March 2025 due to its popularity. This quirky, fast-paced musical is staged in the heart of Covent Garden.