Book, Music and Lyrics: SpitLip (David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts)
Director: Robert Hastie
The widely acclaimed musical, Operation Mincemeat, is a production of absolutely genius. Although it is only five actors, they work together perfectly to tell the story of some MI5 agents working together to win the Second World War for Britain. Based on a true story you would expect quite a hard-hitting plot, however this musical is hilarious and entertaining, totally flamboyant and over the top, whilst being respectful to the subject and those involved – although Ian Fleming may not agree!
Being a historical account there are elements of sexist behaviour as we would now see it but this was handled in an appropriate way, showing that it was wrong to think that for example women can only make tea. The cast slid from male to female roles and back again in such genius ways that this was never confusing, only amusing.
Hester Leggatt, played by Christian Andrews, singing Dear Bill was an absolute highlight, although the first song of the second act Das Übermensch is utterly hilarious. Is it wrong to enjoy a song about Nazis?
The rest of the cast are all wonderful as well, with a great chemistry across the five actors, and their harmony singing was pitch perfect. Our performance featured Seán Carey, Jamie-Rose Monk, Charlotte Hanna-WIlliams and Holly Sumpton, each brilliant in their own way.
From the musical’s creation in 2019 this is the first year it has toured and enabled those of us who live further north to enjoy its wonders, it is certainly worth catching if you can as it is totally worthy of all the awards it has gathered so far, and probably many more.
Runs until 15th August 2026 | Image: Matt Crockett
