A hilarious song and dance through the most history’s most bizarre plan Operation Mincemeat
LAUGHING so hard I could barely breathe is not what I expected for a musical about a World War II top-secret plan.
I hardly catch my breath before the next joke lands, then another, and another.
It’s exactly the kind of comedy-musical the West End needs right now amid all the serious plays currently being performed.
For those who don’t know the basis of Operation Mincemeat, let me fill you in on the most bizarre plan I’ve ever heard.
Boffins at MI5 needed to come up with a plan to convince the Germans that they weren’t about to invade Sicily in 1943.
Cue having the body of a homeless man as a pilot, carrying secret documents outlining a false invasion, wash up on a Spanish shore to trick the Germans.
The music and book were created by the comedy group SpitLip, David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts.
Operation Mincemeat has been recommended to me several times since its inception in 2019, and now I know why.
It’s certainly worth the cost of admission and then some.
We’re introduced to the five-person cast – who switch characters and gender as easily as swapping clothes – with the song “Born to Lead”.
First up is cocky and misogynistic Ewen Montague, who is absolutely confident in his superiority.
Natasha Hodgson is hilarious as the unscrupulous Eton-educated spy and doesn’t miss a single chance to mock everyone on stage.
She moves easily between gags through to more tender moments despite her mic doing its best to trip her up.
I’ve seen tech fails before, but no one has ever managed to make it seem like part of the gag like Hodgson has.
David Cummings is endearing as the gawky but incredibly smart Charles Cholmondeley, who is ordered about by Montague.
He delivered the most bizarre lines with ease and utter sincerity.
I’ve also learned more than I ever thought I’d know about newts – they don’t have a penis, but do have an anus.
Zoe Roberts commands attention as boss Jonny Bevan and has no problem mocking a literary hero with her portrayal of Ian Fleming.
Pool typist Jean Leslie is easily brought to life by Claire Marie Hall – holding her own in a boys club and manages to break down the door to be a part of it.
But the real scene stealer is Jak Malone as secretary Hester Leggett.
Among all the hilarity, including singing and dancing Nazis, he delivers a surprisingly touching song with Dear Bill.
The lyrics tell about writing to a loved one at war. Malone’s delivery tugs at my heartstrings and nearly has me in tears. He managed it with several other audience members.
Fast-forward to the second act, and it almost finishes with a big finale – which includes Montague being crowned King as part of his movie on the operation.
But the real finish pays tribute to the homeless man, Glyndwr Michael, whose body became the fictional Captain (Acting Major) William Martin.
It’s a nice nod to the sacrifices made among the tomfoolery on stage.
Operation Mincemeat is the perfect invasion of the West End. Long may they occupy it.
Operation Mincemeat
Fortune Theatre, London
★★★★★