***** (5 Stars)
“Captures the heart and the mind”
Operation Mincemeat a New Musical with Music, Lyrics and Book by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts debuted off west end at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019 and has gone on to become a critically acclaimed as well as a Olivier, Tony and What’s on-Stage award-winning smash it.
Productions are now running in London’s west end at the Fortune Theatre, On Broadway at The Golden Theatre and the show now embarks on its first UK Tour and is already selling out venues around the country.
Telling the story of Operation Mincemeat, a Second World War British deception operation and taking inspiration from a plethora of other musicals such as, The Producers, Hamilton, In The Heights, Cabaret and even A Chorus line this is a musical which revels in its true story adding lashings of comedy, quality music and simply outstanding performances from the stellar five strong ensemble cast.
Performances across the board are uniformly excellent with Holly Sumpton, Sean Carey, Jamie-Rose Monk, Christian Andrews and Charlotte Hanna-Williams turning in beguiling turns as they combine to bring to life over 100 characters with ease. There is not a week character or vocal between them as they truly earned the standing ovation which greeted them as the curtain fell.
Robert Hastie’s direction is flawless with excellent flow and it’s the tender moments of deep pathos as the real cost of war sink in that really make this show work so beautifully, this is further boosted by Jenny Arnolds high energy and acutely detailed Choreography which further brings out some of the most finely nuanced performances to be see on the stages around the UK.
Production wise Ben Stones Set and Costume Design is pitch perfect borrowing heavily from Churchills war rooms buried deep underneath the heart of Westminster. Its evocative and capturing and is further enhanced by Mark Hendersons pure west end standard lighting design. Mike Walkers sound design is an equal triumph blending musical director Sam Somerfeld’s four strong pit band with performers effortlessly. Operation Mincemeat brings the struggle of 1943 to vivid life with a show that captures the heart and the mind from the moment the curtain rises. It’s easy to see why the show is selling out where it goes, you simply won find a more engaging evening at the theatre elsewhere.
Operation Mincemeat deserves to shine for long time to come. Its joyous, honest, filled with quality new writing it brings together the perfect recipe of an emotional true story, stunning songs, divine performances and a lush design in all departments. This is truly 5 star musical theatre firing on all cylinders and while tickets are sold out for the 2026 run the show will return in 2027 so be sure to grab those gold dust tickets while you can.
Operation Mincemeat, A New Musical, The King’s Theatre, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 7th 2026. Sold Out – RETURNS ONLY For more information go to: Operation Mincemeat 2026 – Capital Theatres
The Production will return to the King’s Theatre Edinburgh from Tuesday 29th June to Saturday 3rd July 2027 for more information go to: Operation Mincemeat 2027 – Capital Theatres
The production will also tour to the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tuesday 9th to Saturday 14th November 2026 returning to the same venue on Tuesday 6th – Saturday 10th July 2027
