Bearing in mind the gravity of the situation that called for this outrageous 1943 wartime deception operation, not to mention the grisly, sinister details attendant to the use of a corpse, it was baffling why anyone should attempt to portray the tale as a musical. Two somewhat sombre films – and a well-researched book – were inspired by events, but seriously, a frothy, fizzy musical?
Further baffling is the fact that since debuting in 2019 it’s garnered a record number (over 100!) of 5-star reviews and crossed the Atlantic, becoming one the longest-running shows on Broadway…
Matching the preposterous notion required to pursue something like this is the production itself, tongue resolutely in cheek. With bells on. To brilliant effect. Fawlty-esque barely covers the lampooning of those ‘born to lead’ as they rambled, gambled and argued on a ruse relying on an information-laden corpse washing up on the right beach, at the right time, into the right hands, deceiving the right people several countries away at the appropriate moment.
It was so well-performed (Christian Andrews, Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Sean Carey, Jamie-Rose Monkton & Holly Sumpton) and choreographed (Jenny Arnold), hitting every available button, reflecting the precision of the finely honed script from original creators Spitlip (look ‘em up!). Rarely have movement, costume and dance moves interlocked so perfectly with the music, lights and set. And at such speed.
The five-piece cast disappeared and re-appeared pell mell, swapping characters, gender and nationalities. Furniture almost flew on and off and yet each song, move or punchline felt ratcheted into place. It was at turns comic, moving and exciting and even – given we all knew the outcome – suspenseful. Some feat when one realises how quickly the two hours passed by.
Bury the bafflement, this show was so good it resulted in a curmudgeon musical-hater bobbing out into the traffic on a high. Apologies for not mentioning everyone involved in the production (there’s not enough space) but safe to say there wasn’t a weak link to quibble over.
Running until this Sat November 7th, including matinees https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/operation-mincemeat/
Reviewer: Roger Jacobs
Reviewed: 2nd November 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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