Operation Mincemeat has been running in the West End for three years and is currently on its 18th extension. You don’t need to travel to London to see it though, audiences in Birmingham have the chance to see this tour, with many cast members who have appeared in the West End version.
The slightly unappealing title of the show comes from the code name of an MI5 mission to deceive the German army and help to win the war. Not exactly ideal musical material, but somehow this show really works! There is everything you need for a cracking night out, great characters, humour, drama, perfect comedy timing, surprises, wonderful vocal performances and moments that will tug at the heart strings.
All the songs are original and help to propel the story on at a rapid pace. There are a mix of styles including rap, a bit of a sea shanty, techno and 1940’s swing and jazz among many more.
The cast of five work extremely hard, changing characters in the blink of an eye, or after a swift run round the back of the set while doing a costume change. The way they keep with the different voices and mannerisms for each character is outstanding, with each actor playing multiple roles. There is never a missed note or dropped line.
Sean Carey plays Charles Cholmondeley, the quiet brains behind the plan. He embodies the shy awkward underdog perfectly with a physicality that sets him apart from the more confident members of MI5. Ewen Montague, played by Holly Sumpton, is the complete opposite to Cholmondeley, he is purposeful and poised and Sumption’s vocals are crisp and clear throughout. The new girl to the office is Jean Leslie, Charlotte Hamma-Williams gives her an air of determination and drive but also a vulnerability. Playing Johnny Bevan, as well as other notable characters, Jamie-Rose Monk showed a talent for rapping, comedy timing and versatility. One of the outstanding moments of the show comes from Jordan Pearson, playing Hester Leggart, while helping to compose a fake love letter. This slowing of pace and dimming of the lights is in total contrast from the rest of the show, but rather than jarring, the showstopping vocals ring out and remind you of the realities of loss.
Each and every cast member gave their all and mastered complex dance routines, quick changes, scenery moving and intricate comedy, (watch out for delightful telephone and hat shenanigans in act two) while never slowing the hectic pace.
With a versatile box set with hidden entrances, lights and other surprises, lighting is used with great effect to create everything from a club to a dingy basement and a “glitzy finale”.
While the story is true and treating it as a comedy could be seen as tasteless, this is anything but that. There is a fitting tribute at the end and moments throughout that focus the mind back, just for a moment, on the efforts and sacrifices that were made.
If you are looking for something a little different, something with a highly talented cast, gripping story and plenty of laughs, you will find plenty to entertain you in Operation Mincemeat
Runs until Saturday 16th May 2026.
Reviewer: Annette Nuttall
Reviewed: 11th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: