Operation Mincemeat - Review

Operation Mincemeat is on in Birmingham. It boasts an Olivier Award for Best New Musical, a record-breaking number of five‑star reviews, and now a Tony Award to its name.

Set in 1943, the musical retells the true covert operation that helped turn the tide of the Second World War—an audacious plan involving a stolen corpse, forged documents, and a fabricated romance designed to fool Hitler. The production leans into the sheer absurdity of the mission, blending old‑school musical charm with a twist of Hitchcockian intrigue. It’s fast, funny, and knowingly ridiculous, yet it never loses sight of the human stakes beneath the comedy.

The first half lays the groundwork with energy and wit, The second half, is where the show truly finds its stride. Its opening number is a standout moment—an inspired burst of comedic brilliance that resets the tone and propels the story forward with renewed confidence.

They are an extremely strong ensemble. Their multi‑rolling is a masterclass in comedic timing and character transformation, shifting personas with such precision and flair that it becomes one of the evening’s great delights. They are the kind of performances that elevate the entire production. I must say to have such a small cast create such a buzz on stage is a joy to watch.

This was the second time I’ve seen the production and I can honestly say the second time was even better. It allowed me to notice more that I hadn’t the first time as so much happens, so many micro details. It feels like it’s a modern and current show, telling a piece of history in an engaging way.

Operation Mincemeat is not the wartime musical you might expect. It’s stranger, funnier, and far more inventive—an off‑kilter gem that earns its accolades through originality and sheer theatrical craft.

The production continues at the Alexandra theatre Birmingham until Saturday 16th May.