Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical At New Theatre Oxford Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Created by comedy team SplitLip, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical started off as a humble production playing to small audiences, with a small five-person cast portraying dozens of different characters. The production’s high energy and clever, physical comedy quickly garnered rave reviews and a dedicated fanbase and in 2023, it transferred to London’s West End, where it went on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
The momentum continues to build and Operation Mincemeat is now on tour and showing at the New Theatre, Oxford. The energy was high as we arrived at the theatre and many of the audience seemed to be returning fans – always a promising sign – and it quickly became clear why, this is a show that packs a punch from start to finish.
The musical tells the remarkable true story of the 1943 World War Two deception operation of the same name, in which a team of MI5 agents plan to deceive the Germans by planting the body of a fictitious soldier called ‘Bill’ in an effort to give the enemy false information. Operation Mincemeat changed the course of history and for all its strangeness, it seems very fitting to have the tale retold in this new, unique and hilariously British way.
It must have seemed highly unlikely at the time that the actual Operation Mincemeat would succeed, but such is the can-do British spirit that one shouldn’t doubt these things. This theme is spiffingly mirrored in the audacity of this brave and captivating production, coupled with what has to be one of the hardest working, multi talented and versatile casts currently on the road. The five actors constantly change roles throughout, sometimes turning into new characters with a new prop, a swish and a spin, a twinkle in the eye and nod and a wink to the audience as if we are in on the secret, it is all breathtakingly clever and utterly endearing.
The production never misses a beat and as chaos ensues through the rapid fire of jokes and ingenuity, the audience is never allowed to forget the backdrop to the comedy is very real, with war, escalating stakes and courage at its heart. The lively, memorable soundtrack matches the whirlwind of relentless jokes yet there are also seamless quiet moments to pause and reflect on the sacrifice of war. The show’s sense of humanity is deeply felt with the showstopping ‘Dear Bill’ number, beautifully performed by Christian Andrews as Hester Leggett.
Operation Mincemeat is a clever, hilarious riot of a show and for those of you who may have missed the briefing – it is simple – get yourself down to the New Theatre, Oxford for an evening of non-stop theatrical genius and joy! The instantaneous standing ovation at the end of the show was richly deserved. Operation Mincemeat – Mission Accomplished!
Rating: 5/5
Operation Mincemeat is at The New Theatre, Oxford from Tuesday 31st March to Saturday 4th April 2026, for more information or to book tickets https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/operation-mincemeat-a-new-musical/new-theatre-oxford/