A new cast brings fresh energy, sharp comedy, and unique interpretations.Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Operation Mincemeat is really having its moment. With fifteen (and counting) West End extensions, a successful Broadway opening earlier this year, numerous awards won, and a 40-week UK tour launching in 2026, the show is firmly cementing its status as a successful fringe theatre phenomenon.
Based on a true story, which is so audacious it’s hard to believe it actually happened, Operation Mincemeat is set in 1943, when British intelligence needed a plan to convince the Nazis that the Allies would not invade Sicily. As cleverly outlined in ‘The Pitch’, Monty and Charlie attach fake invasion plans to the dead body of a homeless man, Glyndwr Michael – the “man who never was”, and thus one of the most bizarre deception operations in military history ensues.
This musical embodies everything I love about fringe theatre. Having started at the New Diorama, the review of which you can find on this site, it has developed and grown its audience but without losing its scrappy, inventive spirit. A cast of five takes on over 30 characters, armed with props, clever costumes and an impressive collection of hats.
The latest principals to impress the crowds are Alex Young as Ewen Montagu (Monty), Peter McGovern as Charles Cholmondeley (Charlie), Chloe Hart as Johnny Bevan, Danny Becker as Hester Leggatt and Roshani Abbey as Jean Leslie. Amongst them, they also play boyband Nazis, cheeky cockneys, fusty old admirals and singing sailors.
When stepping into a role, actors strive to make it their own, rather than simply mimic what came before. It’s a difficult task, and each Mincemeat cast has risen to the challenge: this one is no exception. Hart plays a sharp and commanding Bevan but switches effortlessly into a ridiculous Haselden, a bafflingly sweaty Spanish contact. Her voice is outstanding and her opt-ups are flawless.
Young introduces us to a more light-hearted Monty. She portrays him with hilarious facial expressions and physical comedy. Her take presents Monty as a lovable fool rather than a calculating figure – a portrayal that becomes especially clear in one scene when Jean calls him out for his negligence, offering a contrast to previous, colder interpretations of the character.
It is a joy to see Becker’s Hester slowly getting more confident as the musical progresses. ‘Dear Bill’ is even more emotional now that fans of the show have discovered her true identity. Becker’s chemistry with Abbey is electric, and the two shine in ‘Useful’.
But a real highlight for me is McGovern as Charlie. A truly lovable and geeky bug boy, his comedic timing for his one-liners is impeccable, whilst he also possesses the ability to effortlessly tug at the audience’s heartstrings.
The geniuses behind the book, music and lyrics are Spitlip, consisting of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts. They have written a true gem of a show, which highlights the importance of fringe theatre and its ability to nurture bold and creative storytelling. There’s no doubt this musical is poised for even greater success and this West End cast certainly keeps the momentum alive.
Book, music and lyrics by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts
Director: Robert Hastie
Choreographer: Jenny Arnold
Set & Costume Designer: Ben Stones
Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
Sound Designer: Mike Walker
Orchestration & Vocal Arrangement: Steve Sidwell
Musical Director: Joe Bunker
Operation Mincemeat is booking through to 2026.
