The Regent Theatre has received its orders, and Operation Mincemeat has been put on full display for the audience.
Operation Mincemeat, which tells the true story of an MI5 operation during World War Two, has been wowing audiences since 2019 but properly finding its fame in 2023 when it graced the West End stage. It has won multiple awards both here and over the pond, and it’s not hard to see why. The show currently owns the title of the best-reviewed show in West End history, and quite frankly, it couldn’t deserve it any more.
The show is run with military precision and the sharpest of wit. The comedy came to the actors so naturally. It was remarkable to see the actors’ ability to change roles and costumes so quickly and with such ease. The timing of the show should be studied; every gag was perfectly hit, every costume change immaculate, and every prop handled to perfection.
The cast is all remarkable in their own right. The five actors kept every single audience member in the palm of their hand. Christian Andrews’ performance of Hester Leggatt was sublime. The round of applause he received after ‘Dear Bill’ felt never-ending, and every single second of the applause was deserved.
I think with a show that has such complex timing and such a fast-paced energy, a huge shout out should also be given to the technical and production team as they steered this ship to perfection.
The show boasts a spectacularly written script which has British Comedy running through its veins and still handles the subject matter with such care, making sure that the story of ‘William Martin’ is told with love and respect. The score is also stunning, with heartbreaking songs to songs that are in a word hilarious. The opening of Act Two had me in stitches as it was so unexpected. The show also breaks the 4th wall, and this is handled with such care. I loved the modern motifs that popped up from time to time. Spotting some iconic Beyoncé dance moves thrown in for good measure.
I found myself in the interval and after the show messaging all my theatre-loving friends, urging them to book seats. I loved listening to everyone’s excitement around me about seeing such a masterpiece on stage. Everyone was buzzing, and even leaving the theatre, people were still praising the show.
There is a moment in the show that talks about a spark of joy. The show is the spark of joy. It brings a light back into theatre. The show is one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve ever seen. If I could give the show six stars, I absolutely would.
Reviewer: Leanne Rushton
Reviewed: 27th April 2026
North West End UK Rating: