Operation Mincemeat, a captivating musical, wholeheartedly deserved its transfer to the West End. Following successful, sold-out runs at the New Diorama Theatre (2019) and Southwark Playhouse (2020-2022), the musical has made its way to The Fortune Theatre where it has taken over from the 33-year reign of The Woman in Black. The masterminds behind this musical gem are David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoe Roberts who make up the talented theatre troupe SpitLip, and expertly crafted this wonderful and ridiculous, fast-paced, and hilarious play, writes Bella Christy.
I was initially wary of the comparisons to successful productions such as ‘Hamilton’, ‘SIX’ and ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, yet Operation Mincemeat did not disappoint. Not only did it live up to these comparisons, but it also carved out its own authentic and unique style under Robert Hastie’s direction.
With only five actors skilfully commanding the stage, their exceptional multi-rolling created the illusion of a much fuller cast; it seemed like there were 20 or more vastly different actors appearing. Whilst they all did an impressive job of embodying different characters it was Jak Malone who truly blew me away with his sheer talent. He was a shapeshifter, from just donning a hat or slipping on a pair of spectacles, he was almost unrecognisable. His physicality, voice and aura entirely changed as he glided from one character to another. As someone who has done a lot of multi-rolling in her time, I was in awe.
The production encompassed some serious physical theatre (a drama kid’s dream). The actors barely stood still throughout the entire production – a cardio workout for sure. Their movement in combination with the imaginative set and props made for a production that kept me continuously captivated and surprised about what was coming next.
The set developed as we went through the play, getting more complex, a door here, a slit in the stage there and before we knew it the whole back wall unfolded. Though a key device in this production, symbolising the theme of communication (or lack thereof), was the phones hanging on the walls. In a well-executed physical scene, London desperately attempts to reach their operative in Spain. With a display of juggling phones and hats, combined with stunning physicality, the result was dynamic storytelling that was hilariously engaging.
The audience too was brilliant, the level of applause was huge from the very first number, reaching relentless cheering after Jak Malone’s number ‘Dear Bill’. A beautiful and tender song, in contrast with the full production numbers, held the audience’s hearts in hand. Malone did an incredible job of evoking a collective sentiment for grieving for a lost loved one at war, leaving myself, and I think I can talk on behalf of the whole audience here, very moved.
Us audience members weren’t left out of the secret missions occurring on stage, we were given our own. SpitLip encouraged us to ‘go watch something small, something weird, something funny, or different or strange, in a little venue near you’ with the aim of supporting those new plays making their way up in the theatre world. Following suit, I implore you to experience Operation Mincemeat firsthand and then become a secret agent yourself by supporting upcoming and local theatre production. Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HH until August 19th. Times: Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm Thursday to Saturdays at 8pm; Tuesday and Saturday Matinees at 3pm. Admission: £19.50 – £79.50.
Booking: www.OperationMincemeat.com
@MincemeatLive @spitlip #OperationMincemeat #GodThatsBrilliant @FortuneTheatre1
