Since my first viewing of Operation Mincemeat in 2022 at Riverside Studios I have adored this show but having last seen it nearly 2 years ago when it opened in the West End and with a cast change it was time for a revisit. Keen to see if the show remains as strong now that the original cast (and writers) are currently performing the show on Broadway and if it really was as funny as I remembered I headed to the Fortune Theatre.

For those that have not seen Operation Mincemeat yet it is based on a real life Operation during the war more specifically in 1943 and at the point where the Allies are losing the war. After searching for a plan they gamble it all on a corpse from a unknown person, a suitcase packed full of receipts and a submarine to transport the corpse. Together entitled Montagu, shy but intelligent Charles, ambitious Leslie, the matriarch Leggett, boss Bevan and a whole host of other characters work together to ensure that this secret mission, Operation Mincemeat is a success and that the Allies can win the war.

The brilliance of the show is multifaceted but the first thing that strikes me about the show is just how clever it is. The book (as well as music and lyrics) by David Cummings, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts is bonkers but brilliant and manages to be laugh at loud funny at the same time as being heart-warming and even tear jerking at times. The themes are hard hitting but they are told in such a way that they are easy to digest.

The characters are easy to invest in. I’m not one for comparing previous incarnations of cast with the current one but what I will say is that the show is in very safe hands and that the new cast all make the characters their own whilst not departing from the brilliant foundations laid by the OG cast. Jean Leslie played by Roshani Abbey is utterly relatable in her frustration by being held back by her gender and she struck a brilliant balance of clearly being ambitious but understanding how and when to tow the line in her portrayal. Hester Leggett is always a firm favourite of mine and with this cast this was no exception. Played by Danny Becker I was once again moved to tears during ‘Dear Bill’ yet moments later laughing at their portrayal of a Spilsbury, a dodgy pathologist.

Part of the reason this show succeeds is the casts unflinching dedication to the role no matter how ridiculous the character. Alex Young as the entitled and misogynistic Etonian, Ewan Montagu was also suitably odious at the same time as being incredibly watchable. Despite being a character brimming full of traits we shouldn’t like you can’t help but root for him with Young’s portrayal. Peter McGovern as Charles Cholmondeley was brilliantly blustering and bumbling but despite this exuded a warmth that you couldn’t help but root for. Finally Chloe Hart as Johnny Bevan brightened the stage when ever she was on it with bundles of watchability, energy and impeccable comedy timing.

The cast whilst playing 5 principal characters each all multi role throughout the show we see them morph into sailors, cockney urchins, secretaries in the office and Nazis with simply a change of accessory or jacket often choreographed so seamlessly into the action on stage that the impending changes go unannounced and simply appear before the audiences eyes. It was also wonderful that t all of the performers played different genders and whilst it didn’t impact on the story it underlined the satire further. Direction wise the attention to detail by Robert Hastie is mind blowing. There is a short scene involving hats and telephone receivers and precision that this requires to be effective and look seamless can’t be underestimated and nor should the set transitions which are staged to ensure that the show flows continuously.

The music of Operation Mincemeat has something for everyone, a Six Queen (or even a Beyonce fan) – you will love ‘All The Ladies,’ girl power number. A fan of Hamilton – ‘Act As If’ is for you and Benjamin Button fans will love ‘Sail, On Boys.’ This variation in style keeps the audience guessing what will happen next, not only with the zany plot but also stylistically in the music.

The set and costume design by Ben Stones work seamlessly together. Both continue to surprise right up to the final moments of the show and into the big glitzy finalie. The lighting design by Mark Henderson also enhances the set wonderfully, especially when they work in harmony to give moment which feels akin to a tactical operation developing in the central HQ before your eyes.

After revisiting Operation Mincemeat it is no surprise that the show continues to announce extension after extension, award after award and 5 star review after 5 stars review. Funny, full of heart and with fresh faces at the helm its the perfect time to do your duty and march on down to the Fortune Theatre.

Operation Mincemeat is currently booking until February 2026. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like my review of Evita, The Play That Goes Wrong and Midsummer Night’s Dream.