OPERATION MINCEMEAT west end review | new comedy musical at the Fortune Theatre, London
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
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OHMYGOD HEY!
Last week I attended a press preview performance of OPERATION MINCEMEAT at the Fortune Theatre, a show I've been watching closely since long before it arrived in London's West End.
The musical theatricalises the same World War II era story as the recent film of the same name but with a decidedly more comic twist.
Check out today's brand new review video to find out why audiences and critics alike have been loving this show so much for years...
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#westend #musical #theatre
This is as close to a perfect show I think that I've ever seen. Just incredible. All of the cast are perfection in their role, but I especially love Jak Malones characters, Hester/Spillsbury/Willie Watkins. Not enough words to describe Dear Bill, they've somehow managed to bottle grief and put it into a song and its beyond beautiful.
Have now seen it twice and can't wait to see it again. Replying because I welled up as soon as he started Dear Bill the second time. Fantastic show.
I don't know if i cried more the first time because I wasn't expecting it, or the second time because I was! A real showstopper. @@janetmiddleton3660
Hester is IT. The absolute breakout star of this show. Hated her loved her cried with her felt her!
Operation Mincemeat is easily the most exciting new show I've seen in years. Everyone is the cast smashes it with their performance, the songs are bops (I know the soundtrack isn't out for a couple of days, but I doubt there's any I'd skip), and the costumes and set are so beautifully simple for the most part that it retains the charming simplicity of the other runs it's had. The whole show is so tight and refined now! Hope they get the long, successful run they deserve!
I 100% agree that Jak deserves a oliver nom because he is just superb, but then I also want the whole cast to be awarded (best new musical) Fustrating waiting for Friday for the cast recording to come out as the 4 songs out now are not enough.
Also the end was just incredible and perfect.
I can not praise this show enough and will not shut up about it, been telling everyone I know to go and see it.
I would honestly tell everyone to go and see your first review for this show too as some of the things you say in that one are utterly hillarious and it made me go and see this show in the first place
Operation mincemeat feels like it be around for years, and that lots of people knows someone that seen it and everyone that has seen it loves it. Can't wait to see it for myself.
Ah, so proud of Claire-Marie Hall- I taught her in secondary school and even at age 11 she was a phenomenal vocalist.
Saw her in the show last night! Her song with Hester in the second act, “Useful”, got me all emotional! And then she transitioned to another character of mostly physical comedy! So good!
She's very good! perfect for the part.
She's is entertaining, best vocals, she really complements all the other parts very well.
Great singer and super likeable acting.
I love the Starkid comparison - when I first saw Mincemeat in a previous run I texted a friend in the act break that they even had that standalone-door-stage-right vibe that's so typical of Starkid shows, and their earlier humor and general vibe, too. I love love love that people are finally noticing this gem of a show, and looking forward to seeing them win all the awards.
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the fabulous/hideous beret.
Also, yes I did saw mincemeat a few weeks ago (and last summer at the riverside studios). Amazing! Caught covid on that trip. Still totally worth it.
Saw the show two days ago not knowing anything about it and was enjoying myself a whole lot, and then that "Dear Bill" song hit me right in the feels completely out of nowhere, absolutely fantastic stuff!
😊😊😊😊😊
I was at press night as well! I am utterly obsessed with the show!
My go to is "Dear Bill", i can't help but tear up even thinking about it. But I also love "Something Useful".
Dear Bill had me fully in tears.
I went in completely blind and came out confident it is probably in the top 3 of any live performances I've ever seen.
I got to see Holly Sumpton's debut performance as Ewen Montagu and I didn't even realise it was her first time on until later. She was fantastic, so was the whole cast, funny and moving in equal measure. The whole show is brilliant, hope I get a chance to see it again before it finishes (& keeping fingers crossed for another extension or transfer).
Just discovered this show on spotify, and it's amazing!! Thank you for a wonderful review, I hope I'll be able to see this in person at some point
Love the beret, and the review! Happy that I called what your standout moments would be as well hahaha😅
Just saw the show and already obsessed! I know many people are talking about Jak Malone as a breakout star BUT that’s only because Natasha Hodgson and David Cummings (in the “lead” roles, if you could call any roles more leading/supporting in this show) are both absolutely flawless, they disappear into their characters!!! Their voices, mannerisms, comedic timing… everything they do is brilliant! And then, Zoe Roberts and Claire-Marie Hall are the types who stop the show in their moments of brilliance! I can’t wait for the rest of the world to discover this show and this troupe of performers!
Agreed Natasha and David were far better then Jak..did enjoy his Hester though
I appreciate you mentioning the set! From the nosebleeds in the Upper Dress Circle, I loved the floor of teal herringbone wood pieces! Gorgeous!
Saw it last weekend, loved it - my only disappointment was that the swag store had run out of the CD (and it's 25 pounds to have it shipped to the USA so I'll just be satisfied with iTunes for the present). One aspect of the show that I think you could have talked more about (you do discuss it a bit, particularly with Dear Bill) is the incredible respect it demonstrates for the suffering of ordinary people in the war, even as it elicits side-splitting laughs. It was a tough balance to maintain and the writers and cast did it flawlessly.
I saw this on your recommendation and it was absolutely fantastic, I’m taking my Mom to see it in two weeks! Thank you so much
Love this show! It is just brilliantly funny and delivers heartfelt moments as well. 😍 Oh, poor Hester. 😢 The cast is just amazingly talented and should be really proud about this show!
Being from Germany (the evil force in this show) I just couldn’t help but cheer for the British (obviously) and cry from laughter! 😂 Hope it has a long and successful run in the West End.
This show is the new Six. Everyone who sees it loves it, books to go again and recommends it to friends. It's already been extended and another extension or a transfer is guaranteed. As as Olivier noms. I have no doubt about any of this because it's just so, so, so good. My only criticism is the bar didn't list the ingredients of the sangria they had on sale - "bit of red wine, bit of fizzy pop, dash of fruit. Why has no one heard of it?"
I saw it last night for the first time. There was one song that sounded like it was written 1 hour after the composers left the theatre showing Six; so similar in style, without being a rip-off. And, yes, I'm seriously considering booking it again, before everyone else gets to hear of it and book themselves. Loved it. Should be on Broadway - though the current fuss about drag queens would probably get it picketed 'cos of the panto-like gender swapping.
This is the reason I refuse to see Six.
Great review! I love this musical so much and I'm so glad they're getting the West End success they deserve
I swear to god, even before you said the words 'The tones are polar opposites; one is in Dear Bill, and the other opens the second act' at 10:35 I was thinking "Dear Bill and Das Ubermensch". Easily my favourite parts as well.
It's absolutely incredible!! Very very talented cast !!
Brilliant and cleverly done. Dear Bill is my favourite song.
I’m so happy that this show has taken off to such acclaim!
I was actually aware of the members of SpitLip for a bit before they properly formed the troupe. Felix and Natasha being members of the band Felix Hagan and the Family, who were brought to my attention by their affiliation with Frank Turner. The sound of their music in that band was itself so beautifully theatrical, so when I heard they were actually putting a musical together under the SpitLip banner it felt like a natural evolution.
I remember hearing their first demo of God That’s Brilliant and being unable to stop humming that tune for a while after.
I live in the US, so don’t know when or if I’ll ever be able to see this show for myself. Either way, this show’s existence and ongoing success makes me happy!
I love that story, it's one of the weirdest tales I've heard, but it's kinda fascinating. They put a ton of work in creating the identity they gave to the "Body". They gave him a name, a family, a whole personality, they even did a casting call around the secretaries to find a good photo to put on the wallet.
God that’s brilliant! I saw the show a few days ago and I‘m still completely blown away! Unbelievably amazing performers! I must go back to London and see it again! I loved every song, they are soo good. Listening to the CD nonstop! „Dear Bill“ and „Usefull“ were especially amazingly performed by Jak and Claire!
My boyfriend won the lottery and so we went together. We are both huge musical theatre fans (and performers) so I was excited but didn’t know anything
And wow I was amazed! One of the best shows I have seen in the west end in a longgggg time. I absolutely adore the cast with all my heart they really made the show!
My comparison is Monthy Python crossed with Come From Away 😊!
With a little Mel Brooks sprinkled in 😂
I think we saw an understudy for Hester but you would never have known. Absolutely the breakout performance
Best show I’ve seen in ages. Bonkers, British & a true story. Loved ‘Dear Bill’
So helpful to have your thoughts before I see it in a few weeks
Thank you
didn’t go in knowing much and it’s now one of my favourite musicals 🙏✨🙌
Great reviews. Went to see OM at Southwark PH and Riverside Studios. So I was really pleased to see that at the Fortune Theatre it's been beautifully upgraded but has managed to keep the heart and soul of the original version.
Can you advise on the changes? I'm really curious
Mickey, who are you rooting for in your heart most of all? I’m rooting for Shucked, but &Juliet is awesome too. But I’m guessing Kimberly Akimbo will win. I’m not completely counting out Some Like It Hot (most noms) or New York, New York (a lot of people I know think this will win, blech!).
Have you ever seen the parody comedy play Bullshot Crummond? (It might be on TH-cam). It’s super British so I think you might love it.
I love Starkid! If you could have them parody one subject, would you choose:
A) Marvel
B) Star Trek
C) Buffy
D) Xena
What’s your favorite flop musical?
A) House of Flowers
B) The Grass Harp
C) the original Carrie (I can’t get Don’t Waste The Moon out of my head! And ‘And Eve Was Weak’ has to be one of the best showtimes ever?)
D) Or maybe that honor belongs to the opening number to Juno (the musical version of Juno and the Paycock)
E) It’s a Bird, It’s a plane, It’s Superman! (‘You’ve Got Possibilities’, plus so much wonderful cheese)
F) something else?
I loved this show. Blew me away. I was taken by daughter who is in the know. If you see ONE show this in the west end. It must be this one!
I saw this on its last performance at the Southwark Playhouse. I knew that the 2 standout moments were going to be the heartbreaking song 'Dear Bill' and the nazi dance number. There was a total party atmosphere at that performance and there were some unscripted moments of hilarity, I am pleased it is back as I will be going again.
God fucking damnit- I wish I was British so I could go see this show. I love the fact that the actors playing characters of different gender isn’t a gag and that they have emotions and feelings.
I saw Operation: Mincemeat in the West End in late May. Over the years, I had seen both movies and read the book, and could not imagine the story being told as a musical. I was pleasantly surprised. It was clever, funny, dramatic, tear jerking and almost perfect theatre. It is a play I will see again when I visit London.
I saw this on Saturday and was absolutely devastated by Dear Bill. I would say I'm a pretty seasoned (musical) theatre goer and this song was just sheer perfection.
Gonna see the show this weekend so I am glad I found your video! Also random unrelated question: Where did you get the DEH cushion cover??
I went to the West End for the first time last week from the USA. This was not a good show to start with because it set the bar so unbelievably high for the other ones. I had so much fun at this show and the actors are amazing. Everyone likes the Dear Bill song, and that was a powerful moment but I really liked the finale. I got to meet all of the actors post-show and Natasha Hodgson, really all of them are very nice.
Saw this last weekend and loved it, it’s just so fun, clever, witty, and absolutely hilarious, but also has some beautiful moments 😊 the score is excellently written, some absolute bangers, especially God That’s Brilliant, Making A Man and Das Übermench (when a show has you whooping and cheering for a group of Nazis, whilst simultaneously being extremely self aware about it, you know they’re doing something amazing 😂)
Saw this on you recommendation and I’m off to see it again it was so good
I always wanted to see the film but had forgotten about it until now. So I watched the film (which was good but not quite as good as I was expecting) then brought the soundtrack of the musical and fell in love with the music. My favourite without seeing the show is useful with Jean and Hester so funny, sweet and affectionate between the two characters but your right Dear Bill is also a lovely heartfelt moment and the German boyband moment is very funny. I also love Making a Man and can't get it out of my head, so catchy. So yeah thanks to you I am now booked into see what looks to be an amazing show. Thanks for the recommendation. What I love about musicals is the way people just unexpectedly burst into song and dance. That is what I live for. I wish real life was more like that but only good singing not the ones who murder songs.
Superb review. A just testament to the show. Thank you.
Loved the films and the book so at first I was little sceptical about it but I LOVED IT! It's such a good musical and it really deserves the awards and attention it's getting
That beret though 🤩🤩🤩
I saw it on my recent trip to London. SO GLAD I did! Ridiculous in the best ways possible. I do wonder how/if other Americans would enjoy it since it is, as you say, so quintessentially British. Jealous of your hat! When I was there, they didn't have any merchandise yet.
I saw two other shows the next day and thought it was hilarious (and an indicator to how early programmes are printed) that both shows were still advertising The Woman in Black.
I just saw it last week, and I'm so glad I did! It was my first time in London and this was truly the highlight of my trip! I went from laughing uncontrollably to sobbing uncontrollably during 'Dear Bill', to laughing once again. Never has a piece of live theatre affected me so much. It deserves all the awards, and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the official soundtrack!
I went to see the matinee performance on 23rd May. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Favourite song probably Dead in the Water.
Wonder what theatre on Broadway could it go to if there will be Broadway production of the show
I’m going to see this on the 24th of July, the am dram company I just did a show with are running a trip! I’ve heard it’s amazing! I also loved pride and prejudice sort of when I saw it so think I’m gonna love this!
To me it has a very am dram feel so you will probably love it
The Creative Team are amazing, the choreography is superb. I have seen unsung hero the musical director Joe Bunker MD-ing and first keys at The Rink and Wasted at the Southwark Playhouse both of which were excellent. I have been to two performances of Operation Mincemeat and looking forward to a third and more... Just call the public schoolboys, we'll sort it all out. My only gripe about the show is that due to the small size of the theatre, either there is not room, or the producers have not costed for the additional wind and brass instrumentalists who are on the soundtrack. However the percussion, bass, first and second keyboards still do a sterling job.
This show has one of my favorite logo designs in years.
it is striking 🐝
Wasn't expecting a Top Trumps comparison in my theater reviews.
respectfully if u dont like this show, we cant be friends
I think I saw the album is released on Friday. May give it a listen, if so!
Would you consider this show family friendly? My kids are older (13 and 9) and love musicals. We are coming to London from the US in March. I am considering this show as a uniquely British experience!
Yes I think so!
Saw it in the west end recently, wasn’t sure what to expect (as a WW2 nerd) but it was absolutely amazing.
The actors were hilarious and so talented, the set, the songs, the characters were all on point. The humour was just pure British stupidity (in a good way) which I loved
Highlight for me was the lady who plays Montagu (Natasha), her singing and acting was like brilliant and the fact that she apparently had no training in arts is a miracle and a show of real talent. Of course all the other actors were amazing but she was a real highlight.
Absolutely loved it
Does anyone know if this will be on the last week of November?
Yup, just extended to February 2024!
It was amazing when I saw it
Nice hat
私は日本人ですが、明日ショーを見に行きます。
ブリテッシュジョークが理解できたらいいのに😢
英語が得意になりたいです
the songs are funny and catchy, it's simple lol
What is the design on the program?
I was really confused by the design…. And then realized that the pen squiggle is Hitler’s hair, and the suitcase with the name is his mustache! 😳 I don’t loooove having Hitler’s face as a logo BUT I do agree that the yellow with the squiggle and suitcase is iconic, unique, memorable branding!
Saw it and it’s “meh.” Can take it or leave it, I appreciate I’m probably alone in this opinion.
2 stars. Felt it tried too hard.
Not liking Operation Mincemeat doesn't make you a bad person. I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons.
@@TheGadgetPanda Thank you for your respectful, polite response. Quite a rarity on the internet.