Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre

Jolly good show! That is most definitely an understatement. This is a laugh-out-loud, riotously fun comedy from start to finish and is a show that I cannot wait to return to.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

One thing this show commits to is theming from their coded method of announcing covers to the QR code quiz that is randomly spread around the theatre. It is much rarer these days other than in shows such as Cabaret that the show commits so fully to their theming and it makes the show experience and even just their emails all the more immersive, creating a sense of greater thought and consideration being put into the marketing of this show and it is something that I love to see.

Operation Mincemeat consists of a five-person cast where all play their main role and others, this shows the talent of those in this show as all cast members were able to create a unique characterisation for their different respective roles and maintain these throughout making it clear to the audience who they were at each moment of the show, aided by slight wardrobe alterations and brilliant accent changes. I can see why this show is so well-rated, as it is certainly spectacular and something I cannot recommend enough. It combines comedy with storyline and incredible voices, leaving you entertained but in stitches from start to end.

The phenomenal sets and full use of the entire stage & walls create a visually stimulating show and further engage the audience's constant attention alongside the storytelling employed by all cast members. Also, the use of well-timed 4th wall breaking keeps the audience even more engaged and on their toes, and the immersion is a brilliant addition to a show such as this. This show does not need to command more attention as it is truly brilliant, however, these additions, sets and lighting are all so well-considered to support the storytelling and add to any acting that is happening on the stage. The choreography is dynamic and well-placed as it allows for the moving of sets and transitions between scenes whilst also just being engaging to watch.

I was fortunate to be able to see an alternate during this performance as I saw Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu & Others who was spectacular, blending self-importance and astonishing confidence into the perfect characterisation of Montagu. Not to mention her absolutely fabulous voice. Her Just for Tonight was immensely fun and her portrayal of Montagu had me questioning what is true from start to finish. As mentioned earlier, Holly Sumpton played other roles that were such stark contrasts to Montagu, showcasing her range and talent. The way that Holly Sumpton ends Das Übermensh is perfect for the comedic nature of this show, and had the entire audience in stitches, same for her moment during A Glitzy Finale. Seán Carey plays Charles Chalmondeley & Others, watching him play the timid yet brilliant Charles Chalmondeley is a joy as we see this character brought to life by Seán Carey and his portrayal allows the audience to truly understand this character. Seán Carey showcases his vocal talent during Dead in the Water, which is a comedic yet powerful song, and as the rest of his castmates do as well, he maintains a well-considered characterisation throughout once again providing differences between Charles Chalmondeley and his other roles. Chlöe Hart plays Johnny Bevan & Others with her two most notable other roles being Ian Flemming and Francis Haselden and for her to have so many main roles and change flawlessly between them is phenomenal as the unique and effective portrayals of each character being maintained throughout is a true skill and is a testament to her talent and also the talent of the whole cast. Chlöe Hart has a beautiful voice and amazing rap skills, and her ability to maintain vocals through the whole of this performance, especially when she has the majority of the raps in the show further highlights her talent. Christian Andrews plays Hester Legget & Others, his rendition of Dear Bill is honest and moving as it truly feels as though Hester is talking to her husband from my interpretation. His beautiful voice during this heart-warming moment allows for the flawless blend of comedy and emotion, leaving the audience relating to this character and, for myself, feeling emotionally affected by the honesty of this moment. Hester Leggett is such a well-developed character that we get small insights throughout the show and start to see glimmers of hope during Useful, which are sadly ruined by the current reality. That being said, Useful is another heart-warming moment showing the hopes of different generations as this is a duet between Hester Leggett (Christian Andrews) and Jean Leslie (Claire-Marie Hall). Claire-Marie Hall portrays the ambitious Jean Leslie & Others with such talent and out-of-this-world vocals. Once again Claire-Marie Hall maintains unique characterisations across all of her roles and I know this has been mentioned multiple times in this review but the fantastic ability of the whole cast is definitely one of the things that makes this show so special. Her All The Ladies was brilliant and possibly one of my favourite moments during the show.

I cannot wait to return to this show and I urge anyone considering going to book tickets as you will not be disappointed.

Content Warnings:

The theatre has warnings on display which are as follows:

Haze and Flashing Lights throughout the performance

Watching this show was not triggering for me, however I did note some content that may prove upsetting to some, which is as follows:

The show alludes to the death of a loved one at war, especially during Dear Bill
The show does mention dying without anyone to remember you, which could be upsetting, but this was well-handled in my opinion and makes the ending all the more beautiful
Bright Lights
Haze
The show can be loud at moments

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer