Operation Mincemeat UK tour (credit Matt Crockett)
Operation Mincemeat. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
For those that don’t know, the “Operation Mincemeat” of the title was a secret mission during World War 2 by the British to overt invasion by the opposition. It was a very unusual plan – which I won’t go into for those that don’t know what it was or how it played out. The events have been depicted in a book, two films, and now a musical.
The show started out a fringe piece, and even though it is now a full blown production it still retains the charm and quirks of a fringe piece. A cast of just five perform the whole full length show which is usual for a musical of this scale. It starts as a team of British Intelligence at MI5 are thinking of ideas to thwart the opposition’s plans during the tick of WW2. One of the team are future novelist and Bond creator Ian Fleming (much fun is poked at this). I probably should’ve said this is a musical comedy, and it’s absolutely hilarious. There are laugh out loud moments in abundance – and even though the script is razor sharp it is mainly down to the delivery. The incredibly talented cast of five are just incredible and work flat out – multi roling throughout – and deliver scenes which are intricate, fast, slick and non-stop. There is one particular scene involving telephones and a briefcase which is just brilliant. You actually forget there are just five of them – it’s incredible.
The songs are wonderful. They’re quite “Hamilton” in places – very clever (and fast) lyrics. A particular highlight was the poignant “Dear Bill” from Hester (played and sung beautifully by Jordan Pearson). It was show-stopping for a moment.
This show has everything: drama, comedy, slapstick, singing, dancing, history, and pathos. Even though it is hilarious there are moments that are truly moving and I actually felt quite emotional at the end. It’s a show where you come away not only hugely entertained but you’ve learned something too.
Very clever. In fact – absolute genius.
You must see this show. Get a ticket if you can. It’s absolutely not to be missed.
5 stars. Utterly British and utterly brilliant.
