Operation Mincemeat - Fortune Theatre

A musical about a top secret MI-5 operation during World War 2? God, that’s brilliant!

Complete with a cast of just five, Operation Mincemeat launches headfirst into the bonkers true tale of a ragtag team of MI-5 misfits who conspire to outwit the Nazis with nothing more than a dead body, a fake identity, and a mountain of audacity. The result? A gloriously improbable mission that somehow works—equal parts espionage, eccentricity, and unfiltered British wit.

Like its characters, this show has an unlikely yet inspiring journey. From humble beginnings at the New Diorama, Southwark Playhouse, and Riverside Studios, it has built a devoted fanbase—one that has carried it all the way to Broadway and a 15th West End extension. Tonight's performance has made all of this merit quite clear to this reviewer. Having waited years to witness this show, I can tell you with certainty - it truly was worth it.

Photography by Matt Crockett - featuring the Original London Cast

This new cast had only then finished its second week, but it looked like it had been years. The entire absurdity of the show lies in the small cast’s ability to multi-role like never before, and seldom relent in their energetic performances! Every cast member has taken on their own massive challenge, each in their own way. Alex Young's performance as Ewen Montagu & Others was just sublime. Montague is a nonchalant and over-confident narcissist, which makes for insane comedic potential - and Young does not disappoint. Montague teams up with an unlikely hero and friend - Charles Cholmondeley (Peter McGovern), a socially awkward, and so, underestimated genius. An unlikely pair of polar opposite personalities - and yet, funny and so charming.

The soundtrack by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts is a beautiful symphony which perfectly mirrors each lead character's personality. Representing Cholmondeley's loneliness through Dead in the Water, Hester's hidden sensitivity in the tear-jerking Dear Bill, and the group's camaraderie in Sail On, Boys, this soundtrack is a true crowd-pleaser.

Photography by Matt Crockett - featuring the Original London Cast

The set design for Operation Mincemeat is - what can only be described as - a masterclass in creative economic and theatrical flair. Designed by Ben Stones, the set embraces its fringe-theatre origins with a minimalist aesthetic that proves both versatile and imaginative. A modest collection of desks, filing cabinets, chairs, and mobile set pieces is cleverly reconfigured throughout the show to evoke a range of wartime locations—from MI-5 offices to submarines and Spanish beaches.

This laid-back approach complements the race-speed pace of the production and its quickfire character switches, allowing the ensemble to inhabit countless roles without missing a beat. The visual simplicity also leaves room for the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps, which feels entirely in keeping with the production’s modest tone.

Lighting by Mark Henderson also plays a crucial role in distinguishing mood and setting, while Mike Walker’s sound design injects energy and period atmosphere. The result is a set that never overshadows the performances but instead amplifies the show's inventive spirit and sharply drawn comedy.

In a theatre world often reliant on spectacle, Operation Mincemeat proves that smart, resourceful design can be just as thrilling.

All in all, Operation Mincemeat is a fast-paced, but intensely emotional show which deserves all the accolades and praise it has received so far.

Production Value: 85%

Value for Money: 70% - bought the ticket through the £25 lottery, but the score is based on the locked price of £89.50 across the theatre.

Overall Score: 78% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)