Operation Mincemeat

Why is this show on its 15th extension? Possibly because this show is the most addictive and wholesome show on the Westend. This piece of theatre is something truly special.

The ability to see this show for the 3rd time as PRESS is a full circle moment for 'Tab in the city'. Before we dive into the new cast, I want to take a moment to take you readers back in time to April 2024... not that long ago. I had a day off and decided I was going to get a last-minute ticket to see 'Operation Mincemeat' to see what all the hype was about. I paid £80 for a ticket, and this is the most I'd ever spent on a theatre ticket and there I sat in the Fortune Theatre, right at the back and eager to see what Mincemeat had to offer. Little did I know my mind was about to be blown and Hamilton would no longer be my favourite musical.

I cried floods of tears at Jak Malone's solo as 'Hester' singing 'Dear Bill' and David Cumming play 'Charles' is a character that holds a special place in my heart. As soon as I came home, little nobody me decided to send a couple cast members an Instagram DM about how much their performance meant to me. I just had to thank them for the feelings they made me experience and how it made me feel part of a community. The experience of this musical is a core memory in my London theatre journey, and it was only the beginning. Safe to say:£80 WELL SPENT!

Fast-forward to seeing the new cast! Broadway of course are blessed to have the original cast and it's clear the cast have had the same impact on New York, as Jak Malone has now bagged a Tony to sit next to his Olivier for his outstanding performance as Hester. However, I'm sure you're all sat here reading my admiration for the original cast and wondering 'What is it like with other people? 'Is it still just as good?' Well, I'll tell you! The creators of this show are masters of writing, and the casting directors are indeed terrific at their jobs, because this cast have held the beauty and magic of this show. Whilst, bringing something new to the characters, whilst not losing the essence of their roots. For any show you have adored with certain actors playing certain roles; sometimes it's difficult to experience those same feelings you felt when you saw it last and this is the 2nd change of cast I've seen at not once have I left that theatre thinking that it would be my last time seeing the show. This show is incredible and rare.

Let's chat about these newbies! The names Ewen... Ewen Montagu. This character has the biggest head in the whole of MI5; to play his role you need to play the most self-obsessed and cringe worthy character. Alex Young has brought so many new mannerisms to the table for this role, and I found I was cackling at some of the new alterations they've brought to this role. Great work on the verbal and non-verbal. The most lovable character, that has the biggest character development in the show is Charles Cholmondeley. This role is difficult, because you need to be so vulnerable so early on in the show to create the connection with the audience and Peter McGovern has done a divine job at morphing into the adorable and big-hearted character. The hardest role in the show is Hester Leggatt, but not just this role, but all the other roles that come along with this character. There's so much energy and fast switches between emotions, because each of the roles that come with playing this character are so drastically different from each other. The energy and power each character needs is truly admirable. Danny Becker has done a cracking job at differentiating each character, bringing charisma and has brought flare to the roles. This actor knows how to hold the audience in the palm of their hand. Great stuff!

Operation Mincemeat is a show that has taken the theatre world by storm and rightly so! What a journey and I can't wait to see what's next for the musical. What's so beautiful about this show is the memories it creates and how you just want to share it with your loved ones. It's built a great community in the Westend and has inspired many. What are you waiting for?! Get down to the Fortune Theatre and catch this new divine cast! This show is what theatre is truly all about. Can't wait to see it another MILLION times.

Here is my first ever review about this show: