Review of Operation Mincemeat at The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

One of the most incredible stories of the Second World War gets the musical treatment in this fabulously silly hit show that, after an acclaimed West End run, is now touring the UK.

The production is inspired by the elaborate wartime deception, known as Operation Mincemeat, developed by the British secret service in order to dupe Hitler and the Nazi forces into thinking that the Allies were planning to invade Greece and Sardinia instead of Sicily, the actual target.

Acquiring a dead body – a homeless man called Glyndwr Michael who died after ingesting rat poison – the plan was to create a new identity for him as naval officer Captain William ‘Bill’ Martin and place false papers, maps and documents in a briefcase attached to him with details of invasion plans then deposit his body on a beach in Spain.

You would be forgiven for thinking this doesn’t immediately sound like material for musical comedy – it shouldn’t work, but it does, and how. From humble beginnings, the show, created by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts, which started off in small studio theatre performed by the writers in 2019, has gone on to become a multi-award winning global phenomenon conquering the West End and Broadway.

In the touring production a hugely talented gender-swapping ensemble of five –Holly Sumpton, Sean Carey, Jamie-Rose Monk, Christian Andrews and Charlotte Hanna-Williams – play a whole array of characters.

The script and songs are packed full of hilarious gags, taking some nice satirical sideswipes at the British class system and the arrogant Eton boys in charge, smoothly confident but not good on detail, while also managing to incorporate grief, loss, longing and feminism into the narrative. The musical numbers are slick and brilliantly delivered by the cast. It all romps along at a cracking pace – you will laugh and you will cry. It is truly superb and definitely one not to miss.

To April 11.