MI5 but make it musical theatre. The brilliantly bonkers Operation Mincemeat arrives at The Regent. Libby Dallimore’s mission: to review this hilarious spectacle!
If you think a musical about a wartime deception involving a stolen corpse sounds unlikely, Operation Mincemeat at the Regent Theatre will quickly change your mind and probably
leave you wondering why history lessons were never this entertaining.
Based on a true story – yes, really! Operation Mincemeat is a brilliant blend of comedy, thriller and musical theatre that somehow manages to be hilarious, moving and genuinely
gripping all at once. Winner of the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and a hit on both the West End and Broadway, the show has amassed 88 five star reviews and counting, and it’s clear to see why.
What did I think of Operation Mincemeat?
Set in 1943, it tells the extraordinary true story of a covert Allied operation designed to mislead the Nazis, using, of all things, a carefully planted corpse carrying fake documents. It
sounds absurd, and it is. But it’s also completely true.
With a small but incredibly talented cast of five, the show races through characters, accents and musical styles at lightning speed. One moment you’re watching a satirical take on
wartime bureaucracy; the next, you’re caught in an unexpectedly heartfelt song that adds real emotional weight to the story. The writing, by the brilliantly named SpitLip collective, is
packed with clever wordplay, rapid-fire jokes and moments of genuine depth that land just as effectively as the comedy. I had heard that it’ll make you laugh and cry but I truly didn’t
expect to do much of both but I did, and I totally get the hype now. It’s truly wonderful.
The performances, comic timing, vocals and choreography from each cast member is exceptional. Christian Andrews switches from matronly mentor to dastardly mortuary worker
in two of his more consistent roles while Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu and Seán Carey as Charles Cholmondeley have exceptional presence and timing. Charlotte Hanna-Williams as Jean and others and Jamie-Rose Monk as Beven and others also demonstrate remarkable versatility. All of the small cast switch roles so seamlessly, you’d be forgiven for
thinking there were 30 performers on stage due to the huge amount of energy and precision each brings. The chemistry between them is electric and their ability to balance humour with sincerity is what elevates the show beyond a simple comedy into something far more memorable.
Visually, the show is slick and imaginative, with very clever staging and choreography that keeps the pace moving without ever feeling overwhelming. This ensures that even the most
chaotic moments feel controlled and purposeful, while the music ranges from catchy, high-energy numbers to more reflective pieces that add real humility and depth.
What’s particularly impressive is how Operation Mincemeat manages to make a complex historical event accessible and engaging for a modern audience. Accompanying me was my
nine-year-old daughter who’s a big musical theatre fan. The tour age rating is 6+ but I did wonder if think the subject matter was too complex. I’m so glad I took her though as she
thought it was absolutely hilarious. It doesn’t shy away from the gravity of wartime, but it presents the story in a way that feels fresh, witty, completely original and accessible. We
both also learned a few interesting facts about newts!
Having grown from a small fringe production to an award-winning international success, it’s easy to see why this musical has developed such a devoted following. There’s a real sense
of passion and creativity at its core that hasn’t been lost despite the huge success and transfer to much larger stages and it’s certainly gained a fan in me.
With its limited run in Stoke-on-Trent, this is absolutely one to catch while you can. Whether you’re drawn in by the history, the humour or the sheer originality of the concept, Operation Mincemeat delivers on every level. Go and see why they’ve received so many 5 star reviews – you won’t regret it.
Cast
Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt & others
Sean Carey as Charles Cholmondeley & others
Charlotte Hanna-Williams as Jean Leslie & others
Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu & others
Jamie-Rose Monk as Johnny Beven & others
The company is completed by:
Katy Ellis
Georgina Hagen
Jordan Pearson
Morgan Phillips
Creatives
Book, Music & Lyrics by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts
Director Robert Hastie
Choreographer Jenny Arnold
Set & Costume Designer Ben Stones
Lighting Designer Mark Henderson
Sound Designer Mike Walker
Orchestration & Vocal Arrangement Steve Sidwell
Musical Supervisor Joe Bunker
Casting Director Pearson Casting CDG
Musical Director & Piano Ben Cox
Deputy MD & Keyboard Erika Gundesen
Bass Guitar & Bass Synth James Dibble
Drums & Percussion Lewis Jenkins
Associate Director Georgie Staight
Associate Director Amy Milburn
Associate Choreographer Paul Isaiah Isles
Dance Captain Chlöe Hart
Original Direction David Cumming, Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts
Original Orchestration Felix Hagan
Company Stage Manager Ali Wade
Deputy Stage Manager Nicki Barry
Assistant Stage Managers Frances Howell, Bethany Jefferies
Head of Wardrobe Cheryl Sime
How much are the tickets to Operation Mincemeat?
Tickets are priced from £25 to £90. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings.
How do I book tickets to watch Operation Mincemeat?
Tickets are now on sale online by visiting ATG’s website here. Age guidance: 6+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. The accompanying adult must be seated with the under 16.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 2 May 2026. The show runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes including interval at 7.30pm everyday with matinee shows at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday.
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 11pm
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
Review by: Libby Dallimore
You may also want to read this:
Review: Bat Out of Hell at The Regent Theatre in Hanley
Review: Calamity Jane Tour at The Regent Theatre
Review: The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Matt Crockett
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
15 comments
I actually have never heard of Operation Mincemeat. This is fascinating. I would love to see it performed in theaters. Thank you so much for the review, this is awesome. Can’t wait to see it, soon I hope.
I would love to see this! It sounds like the most creative premise for a musical ever. Fascinating that it’s based on a true story, too.
Agree and the cast and production team did an excellent job
The staging looks fantastic! Always interested in the design elements of a production! Looks like a fab evening.
It was a fab evening indeed, we enjoyed it
I was meant to see this a while back but didn’t make it and I’m even more gutted now. Sounds like such a good show x
I do hope the tour will return again to where you are, it is one show worth watching!
Oh wow, this would the most serious show I would see in a while. And what a story! I am so psyched right now.
And based on actual events as well Mahy
This does sound like such a wild ride! Thank you for sharing your review – what an interesting and unique story.
You are so welcome, it was a fabulous production
This is a show I would absolutely love to see . I need to go the theatre more often! I love a good performance
I loved it and yes theatre shows are something worth checking out
Operation Mincemeat sounds like a wild ride! I’ve never heard of the operation, but my curiosity is peaked. I’ll check it out.
Hope you do as the play is based on a true story