Operation Mincemeat – Alhambra Bradford

Hamilton proved that a rap show about an obscure figure in the American revolutionary war could be an unlikely smash hit, and Operation Mincemeat proves a musical about a long-forgotten part of our nation’s military history can also win Oliviers and Tonys.

This quirky and very funny musical is based on real life events in World War Two brought to life by five incredibly talented and hard working singers and hoofers playing an array of different roles. They tell the unlikely true story of how our secret service disguised the corpse of a dead tramp as a made-up naval officer who was supplied with fake documents. The fake officer’s body was dumped off the coast of Spain and based on the fake contents of his briefcase Hitler’s spies convinced him that the Allies were going to invade Sardinia instead of Sicily saving thousands of lives.

Operation Mincemeat was created by theatre provocateurs SpitLip, who somehow have managed to craft both a funny spoof, and a moving testament to how humanity’s ingenuity can be harnessed for good in the face of evil. The cast’s energy is quite remarkable as they deftly execute Jenny Arnold’s challenging choreography on Ben Stones’ WW2 bunker inspired set, while belting out big numbers from Felix Hagen’s glorious score. It’s a score full of cleverly affectionate pastiches of forties tunes, and some classic musical theatre numbers, right through to R ‘n’ B and even a sea shanty. There’s a wonderfully surreal rap number, Das Ubermensch, that mocks the Nazis just as cleverly as Mel Brooks did in The Producers, plus the cast have great fun on A Glitzy Finale, which is just what it says on the tin.

The book by Hagan and original cast members David Cumming, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts is a masterclass in telling a complex story with clarity, and just the right blend of respect for the dead, combined with sharply witty lyrics that earn some big laughs.

Holly Sumpton is great fun as posh naval officer Ewen Montagu who brings the gang together, and leads insanely catchy opening number Born to Lead, which puts you on notice this is going to be a great night. She bounces nicely off Sean Casey’s diffident operation mastermind Charles Cholmondeley, who is brought to life with genuine affection.

Christian Andrews subtly switches gender as loyal MI5 secretary Hester Leggatt, playing her with an exquisite amount of pathos, and his rendition of the bittersweet ballad Dear Bill was sublime. Newcomer Charlotte Hanna-Williams is ambitious secretary Jean Leslie and smashed All The Ladies clearly inspired by Beyonce. Pompous commander Johnny Bevan is played by Jamie-Rose Monk, and her comedy timing was spot on, especially in a running gag about Bond creator and wartime spy Ian Fleming.

Recently there have been far too many needless standing ovations for middling shows, but here as people leapt to their feet it was a well earned acknowledgement of great performances in a really intelligent and hugely entertaining show that is now a stone cold musical theatre classic.

Operation Mincemeat is at Bradford Alhambra until Saturday 11th April. To book 01274 432000 or www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Reviewer: Paul Clarke

Reviewed: 7th April 2026

North West End UK Rating: