Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre Review

By Jude

Agents! Grab your briefcases and head down to the Fortune Theatre. The new cast has taken to the stage for the 15th West End extension of Operation Mincemeat.

Inspired by the true story of the MI5 plot to use a dead body, planted off the coast of Spain, to convince the Nazis that the Allies were planning to invade Sardinia instead of Sicily, this musical cleverly blends history, humour, and high-energy performance.

It takes exceptional skill, both in writing and performance, to turn such a serious, high-stakes chapter of history into a comedy that never feels disrespectful or dismissive of the real lives affected. Written by comedy troupe SpitLip (David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts), Operation Mincemeat, their debut show, manages this balance brilliantly.

The show also proves that you don’t need flashy sets or a massive ensemble to create a hit West End musical. With just five actors playing around 50 characters, they switch roles with impressive ease, using costume, physicality and accent work to keep each persona distinct and engaging.

Alex Young takes over the role of Ewan Montagu and others, the arrogant yet charming leader of the operation. It takes real talent to portray a character with such bravado while keeping them likeable, and Alex strikes that balance perfectly. Alex brings fresh nuances to the role while staying true to the character’s original foundation.

Peter McGovern delivers a talented performance as the lovable, nerdy and nervous MI5 agent Charles Cholmondeley (and others), the true brains behind the operation. He evokes audible “aww”s from the audience, making you want to give him a confidence-boosting hug, yet he seamlessly flips into entirely different roles, showcasing astonishing range.

Roshani Abbey plays Jean Leslie and others, bringing an excitable charm to the role while highlighting the experience of a woman overlooked in a male-dominated world. Her portrayal is both spirited and grounded, capturing the frustration and ambition of someone constantly underestimated despite her brilliance. A truly inspiring and relatable character arc.

Danny Becker plays Hester Leggett and others, bringing strength and vulnerability to this complex character. “Dear Bill” is a particularly affecting standout moment, as Danny transforms from an uptight and stern older woman into someone raw and vulnerable. The grief and loss are delivered with heart-wrenching grace. Not to mention the craft needed to transform into other very different characters as quick as a lighting cue.

Returning cast member Chlöe Hart, as Jonny Bevan and others, continues to shine. She never misses a beat, bringing a magnetic blend of comedy and charm to every character she tackles.

The music ranges from beats reminiscent of Hamilton’s rap moments to the female power anthems of SIX. Witty lyrics and modern melodies like "Born to Lead" and "Making a Man" are balanced by slower, heartfelt numbers such as "Dear Bill" and "Sail On, Boys." The songs move the story along at a good pace and keep the audience thoroughly engaged. The only minor downside is that, during the more wordy and fast-paced numbers, some lyrics can be hard to catch. Still, the narrative remains clear.

Operation Mincemeat will have you crying tears of laughter with its clever comedy while also touching your heart with the gravity of the true story and the lives behind it.

You have your orders, now go… and get your tickets for Operation Mincemeat.

Five stars.