(C) Matt Crockett
If Victoria Wood and Eric Idle wrote a musical about World War Two, in the style of Hamilton – you’d be somewhere in the region of Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre.
I first became aware of this show in 2019 when it was reviewed for me at the New Diorama Theatre. It went on to be shortlisted for Best Off-West End Show at the 2019 West End Wilma awards (but lost out to Little Shop of Horrors at the Open Air Theatre). Further productions took place at Southwark Playhouse in 2020, 2021 & 2022, and then a stint at Riverside Studios. Earlier this year, after The Woman in Black closed in the West End after 33 years, Operation Mincemeat finally made its inevitable move into the West End where it has been selling out every night at the Fortune Theatre.
Operation Mincemeat is a fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II using a false identity, a dead corpse and determination to out-wit Hitler.
This ensemble cast play multiple, gender-bending roles and it is clear to see why this refreshingly British comedy has gained a cult following who return night after night to see the show.
Christian Andrews steals the show as Hester Leggatt, with the heartfelt rendition of ‘Dear Bill’ (a song I have not stopped listening to since) where we see the softer side of a hard-nosed office busybody, lamenting about the unfortunate side of falling in love during a war. Natasha Hodgson (Ewen Montagu) and Zoë Roberts (Johnny Bevan) – two of the creators of the show, give flawless performances, whilst Seán Carey adds quirkiness as Charles Cholmondeley and Claire-Marie Hall has stunning vocals as Jean Leslie.
British theatre at its finest.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
REVIEW by Nicole Faraday – New Diorama Theatre, 2019 ★★★★★
The current cast is Emily Barber (Netflix’s Bodies & Bridgerton, HBO’s Industry, Sky’s Dreamland) and Chlöe Hart (Six, Hairspray, Wicked) have joined Christian Andrews, Seán Carey and Claire-Marie Hall to form the new cast, while George Jennings (Nell Gwynn, A Christmas Carol) and Jonty Peach (SuperYou, Stranger Sings!) have joined Holly Sumpton and Geri Allen to form the Company.
Accessible Performances
Relaxed Performance – 10 March 2025
