“A brilliant reminder of why you fell in love with theatre in the first place.”
With 88 (and counting) five star reviews, it is hard to know what other compliments can be given to the incredible musical, Operation Mincement.
Beginning its world tour at The Lowry is a wonderful full circle moment for the show. 15 minutes of the show were shared with a small audience in the Aldridge Studios after the writers took part in The Lowry’s artist development programme. To grow from that intimate showcase to the West End, Broadway and beyond is a testament to the strength of British theatre development. It is only right that the yellow carpet was rolled out to mark this exciting new chapter in the shows story.
Operation Mincemeat is based on the true story of MI5 deceiving the Nazis. At a critical point in WWII, the Germans knew the Allied forces would attack Southern Europe. The Allies favoured an invasion through Sicily – but the obstacle was the 100,000 enemy troops waiting there. MI5 needed a plan bold enough to convince Hitler that Sardinia, not Sicily, was the true target, clearing a path for victory.
The ingenious plan was to plant a corpse on a Spanish beach carrying falsified documents in a briefcase outlining an invasion of Sardinia. The musical captures both the absurdity and the gravity of this mission, balancing belly laughs with a grounded respect for the very real lives behind the story.
It is almost impossible to believe the show is performed by just five cast members. The UK tour cast – Christian Andrews, Seán Carey, Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Holly Sumpton and Jamie-Rose Monk – deliver a masterclass in versatility. Seamlessly transitioning between genders, accents and entirely different characters, often in a matter of seconds, they command the stage with razor-sharp precision and sustained momentum. Watching them shift from broad comedy to poignant sincerity is a marvel and a testament to the calibre of every performer who has stepped into these roles.
“Dear Bill” is, of course, a highlight. Experiencing the incredibly moving performance live from the exceptionally talented Christian Andrews was a joy to witness. The simplicity of a solitary spotlight allows the emotion to breathe, reminding the audience of the human heart at the centre of wartime romance. It is a beautifully judged pause amidst the pace and wit of the show.
One of the elements that makes Operation Mincemeat so remarkable is the sheer complexity of its writing. What is particularly striking is the clarity of storytelling despite the density of information. With around 80 characters brought to life, the clarity and structure of the script are impressively controlled. It is this meticulous craftsmanship that explains both the critical acclaim and the fiercely loyal following the show has amassed.
Ben Stones’ costume and set play a vital part in the success of the staging. The stage is alive with various inventive props and clever set pieces that help move fluidly between characters, timelines and storylines. The hilarious costume pieces that are added to the iconic suits enrich the constant movement.
If you are not convinced by the Oliviers and Tony the production has received, then trust the experience. If you enjoy theatre that makes you laugh out loud, sends you out humming your favourite songs and tugs unexpectedly at real emotion, this musical delivers that and more. If you can score a ticket to the sold-out dates, Operation Mincemeat plays at the Lowry until 28th February and continues on its UK tour. Tickets are available here.