War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
…to quote the 1969 anti-war protest song by Edwin Starr. But, it would seem it is good for inspiring theatre-makers. Operation Mincemeat first opened in 2019 to 80 people, and has since been nominated for 64 prestigious awards and won many.
Billed as the highest-reviewed West End show of all time, how does this touring production fare in York?
The plot is based on the true-life account of a 1943 deception operation during the Second World War. In an effort to confuse the Nazis, false information was planted on a dead body to make them think an attack was imminent in Sardinia. However, the allied troops were in fact heading for Sicily…
Whilst the subject matter may seem heavy, this is a laugh-a-minute comedy of errors. Think The Producers meets 39 Steps meets vaudevillian musical hall. There are nods – and digs – at Etonian culture and military intelligence, and plenty of references to James Bond.
All in all, five actors play a staggering thirty-two characters – and the ensemble work is first-rate. The cast gel perfectly, and their timing is sharp and well-honed. Many of the funnies come from traditional old-fashioned comedy, something fairly rare to see live on stage these days.
Although not his primary role, Christian Andrews’ crooked coroner Spilsbury is a real scene-stealer. He reminds this reviewer of a young Mark Gatiss, and is a firm audience favourite. Charlotte Hanna-Williams plays Jean Leslie; a feminist ahead of her time. Her song All the Ladies is a Beyonce-esque tribute to the women powering the war effort – and a real earworm!
Sean Carey and Holly Simpson excel as scientist Charles Cholmondeley and Lieutenant Ewen Montagu. Their on-stage chemistry is perfect. Carey relishes his evolution from scaredy-cat to intelligence mastermind…and his newt lines get some of the biggest laughs. Simpson has excellent comic timing and a fantastic singing voice, and is believable in the old-boy persona.
Jamie-Rose monk plays top-brass Johnny Bevan, who everyone else had to impress. But it’s Monk’s turn as Ian Fleming that really stole the show for us. An incredible performer, with razor-sharp comedic skills.
Oh What a Lovely War…Musical?
Musically, Operation Mincemeat is surprisingly diverse. Expect musical theatre showtunes yes, but also pop, ballads and even a catchy hip-hop number. The score is catchy and the songs are delivered with an abundance of energy.
For all it’s upbeat fun, there are a few that tug on the heartstrings too, as we’re briefly reminded of the true gravitas of war. Dear Bill is bittersweet, and beautifully performed by Christian Andrews.
Unfortunately some of the lyrics are lost when the music overpowers the vocals, especially in the opening numbers. But the soundtrack is so good, I’m loading it up on Spotify as I type!
Ben Stones’ set is simplistic but works well. The blueprint design may seem bare-bones, but set pieces are used cleverly to reveal actors and new locations. Mark Henderson’s lighting design is striking, with modern touches including an unexpected use of neon. Das Ubermensch in Act Two becomes a hip-hop Nazi party.
Do Mention the War!
With dancing Nazis, it’s hard not to compare to Mel Brooks’ The Producers – but Operation Mincemeat offers a more thorough history lesson. Whilst it has taken Broadway by storm too, it’s an altogether British affair that draws on our stiff upper lip and readiness to defend King and country.
A show about war may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Operation Mincemeat brews up a winning blend of fun and farce in this fight to victory. Worthy of it’s awards and accolades, this spiffing production is bally brilliant!
Operation Mincemeat runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 6th June, book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/operation-mincemeat-a-new-musical/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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