Operation Mincemeat
The Nazis are winning the war. It’s time to take drastic measures. Meet two particularly imaginative British naval intelligence officers, Ewen Montagu and Charles Cholmondeley, who built a convincing history for the body of a man they tipped into the sea off the south of Spain in the hope he’d be found by the Germans. The body was in uniform and had a briefcase attached to its wrist, containing secret papers detailing allied plans to invade Greece instead of Sicily. But the whole thing was a complex hoax. The corpse was actually a homeless Welsh man called Glyndwr Michael, who had died after eating rat poison.
The ruse worked, the false information found its way to Hitler himself, and he diverted divisions of tanks, artillery and boats to defend Greece, Sardinia and the Balkans. When Allied troops invaded Sicily on 10th July 1943, the Nazis were totally unprepared. You couldn’t make it up... but it’s a true story, and it’s on at Covent Garden’s Fortune Theatre. This is one of many curious tales that together helped win the war for the allies, and it has already proved a popular plot for a musical with loads of critical acclaim. It’s playing at the Fortune in 2023 and we’ll announce the details as they become available. One thing we do know – it’s very funny indeed.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 65 reviews
General:
What to expect
Acting:
Music:
Costumes:
Story:
Lighting:
Recommendations
Anyone:
Families:
Teenagers:
Young Couples:
Theatregoers:
Might divide opinions As an older man I found the story and show as a whole really good, but my wife didn’t find it as “laugh out loud” as expected from the reviews, and not a full blown musical either, so not as into it as I was
Steve, 16 Sep 2026
Best show I have ever seen. This is my 2nd time and even better than before Loved loved loved this show! It was extraordinary
Megan, 15 Sep 2026
Great talent! Show was fabulous! Such great talent! Great story as based on a true story!
Lori, 15 Sep 2026
So Good Saw this on a recent trip to London. The quality of the show was outstanding, The cast is exceptionally talented and a joy to watch.A highlight of our London trip.
Jennifer, 14 Sep 2026
Boring, not funny I did not find the storyline funny or interesting. But obviously the active in music. It was good but just nothing to the storyline. Left at intermission
Debra, 13 Sep 2026
Such a great performance I have seen the film, which was fantastic however this brought a different perspective to the story. So good, and had so many great moments. Definitely recommend, wonderful actors brought the story to life
Paula, 12 Sep 2026
Second Time Seeing Operation Mincemeat It was well worth seeing Operation Mincemeat a second time. Saw it when it opened in 2023 and took 2 American friends to see it yesterday. They loved it. We watched "The Man Who Never Was" (1956 film) after seeing the play. It's brilliant and creative how the musical followed the true story. Tonight we'll watch "Operation Mincemeat" (2021 film) to compare and contrast.
Deborah, 09 Sep 2026
Amazing, must see production!! High energy, superb talent and historic theater with comfortable seats.
Joan, 04 Sep 2026
Very interesting twist on a ww2 story The show was very entertaining. The actors were very talented and the singing and musical score matched well. The ladies and gents are on different levels and sides of the theatre. The bar is small but has a small but decent collection.
Joseph, 02 Sep 2026
A must see for all generations! Stunning performances! Don’t sit in the upper circle if at all possible! Very limited leg room!
Judy, 31 Aug 2026
Old woman reduced to tears (of joy) Im 65. I've watched many West End shows, Les Mis etc. I travelled up from Cornwall and windged all the way about the cost of the tickets. Well did that come gavk to bite me on the bum. I've never ever in all my years been so impressed. The whole production was mesmerising. I was spell bound. Such polished utterly brilliant performances. Music was incredible. At the end I was on my feet . I was so happy I cried. I will remember this performance always, I just wish I had been up there with them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart x
Nicole, 30 Aug 2026
Great music romp It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! The musical interpretation was great and the choreography really good - the scenes with the phones and briefcase worked so well and there were moments that brought me to tears, the songs were also great !. Really enjoyed it Thank you 🙏
Carl, 29 Aug 2026
Poignant and funny Fabulous acting, excellent music, lots of dry wit. A very entertaining evening!
Ginger, 29 Aug 2026
So much fun! Loved everything about this show! Actors were spectacular playing multiple parts each! Never thought you could make a musical out of a WWII mission, but they did and it was highly entertaining! A great night!
Diane, 28 Aug 2026
Surprisingly Amazing Show The five actors changed costumes and characters in seconds believably across genders. Incredible high energy acting which drew the audience in emotionally, appropriately. Amazing musical comedy with a talented diverse cast!
Julia, 26 Aug 2026
A must see... What a great show and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Can't believe there were only 5 actors - they were absolutely terrific.
Angus, 26 Aug 2026
History meets Brilliance I was enthralled at every moment during the performance
Patrice, 26 Aug 2026
Superb talent all round The set, lighting, costumes, acting & singing talent all superb. The soliloquy was so moving I shed a tear. A wonderful night and hands down better than the movie!!
adrian, 25 Aug 2026
Vibrant, fast paced and great fun Brilliant stage production. The singing & acting was superbly delivered. A real treat for anyone wanting to have a light hearted afternoon out at the theatre. Highly entertaining.
Gregory, 23 Aug 2026
Such fun! And a history lesson too! I didn’t know much about the play before going. What a fun time! And a true story too.
Marie, 21 Aug 2026
Go see Absolutely super and. Unusual musical with a first rate talented cast who hold the audience from start to finish . Clever and witty libretto with matching music.
Vrinda, 21 Aug 2026
Must see Like all good musical comedies it just got better and better as the show came to a fabulous finale
Julie, 20 Aug 2026
Riveting Surprising considering it was set during WWII but it was a joyful experience from beginning to end!
Wendy, 12 Aug 2026
Fantastic experience Great cast, great story and great energy switching between roles - high energy and so much fun.
Andrew, 11 Aug 2026
Magnificent Just fabulous
Jo, 07 Aug 2026
Edge-of-my-seat entertainment! We were able to squeeze in one show during a quick trip through London and this did not disappoint! It exceeded my expectations. Every actor is extremely talented, carrying multiple roles with perfect execution. The singing and acting were amazing; costume changes were incredibly quick, and the humor was dry and hilarious. Our 17-year old son, who is not frequently impressed by theater, said- that was awesome!! I highly recommend this show!
Valerie, 06 Aug 2026
What a fantastic show! Absolutely brilliant. I don’t think I’ve seen a better play for the enthusiasm if the players. They never took a breath. It was a brave move to make a musical out of this story, but they pulled it off with a bang. Well
Tom, 28 Jul 2026
A Birthday Treat A perfect show for a birthday treat the musical was better than expected and we would see it again
Dee, 28 Jul 2026
Exceptional ! Loved the History, great song writing and wonderful acting !
10/10
MILES, 22 Jul 2026
Historical theatre that really pulls you into the story! Absolutely fantastic venue, acting, and storytellling of a historical event
Sets and costumes were amazing
Phenomenal actors- they play many different roles throughout the show, but could easily tell when they switched characters!
This show had me laughing, crying, and rooting for characters outcomes!
Nancy, 18 Jul 2026
Best musical numbers since ‘Springtime for Hitler and Germany’. Brilliant. Must see! Loved every aspect although I thought the sound volume too loud for a theatre thus size.
John, 17 Jul 2026
Love this - something original hooray The cast really put on a polished excellent performance.
Allan, 12 Jul 2026
Sound/audio control was very good The technician on the audio control did a great job of adjusting and balancing the sound, this greatly enhanced the overall experience, especially when compare to those theatres that blast the audio at full volume.
Brian, 21 Jun 2026
