Review: Operation Mincemeat - Norwich Theatre
Review by April Nash
Operation Mincemeat has been one of my favourite shows since I first saw it with my husband on our honeymoon a few years ago, which is why I was initially nervous I might be a bit biased. But after multiple return visits, and now getting the chance to review it at the Norwich Theatre Royal this week, I’m delighted to say it really does live up to the hype.
For the last few years, the show has been hitting major milestone after milestone: Olivier and Tony Awards, Broadway, and extension after extension.
The musical tells the story of the team behind a pivotal deception plan during the Second World War, where the British government signed off on sending the dead body of a fake pilot to Spain with a briefcase full of misleading information aimed at the Germans.
While that description barely scratches the surface of this TRUE story (and some of the events can hardly be believed), Mincemeat takes great joy in pointing out every twist and turn for our enjoyment. Delivered with fast-paced wit, humour, and heart, it importantly brings the unsung heroes of the World War II into the spotlight.
One of the elements that makes this production so thrilling is its cast. Playing multiple roles with lightning-fast costume changes and distinct character quirks that never let up, the company of just five performers manages all of this while delivering back-to-back razor-sharp jokes with perfect comedic timing, tight choreography, smooth set transitions, and brilliant vocals. They balance laugh-out-loud absurdity with genuine emotional depth, most notably during the standout track Dear Bill, sung by the brilliant Christian Andrews. It is a beautiful moment of sincerity and sadness, so deeply earned by the writing and performance that you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium, followed by a chorus of sniffing and searching for tissues.
Each of these performers is so mesmerising that it is hard to know where to start, especially given how many secondary roles they handle. The brilliant Holly Sumpton leads the charge as the cocky Ewan Montagu, alongside charming Seán Carey as the gawky Charles Cholmondeley, Christian Andrews as the prim and understated Hester, the hysterical Jamie-Rose as the stoic Bevan, and amazing Norwich local (turned legend) Molly Cutter - who travelled from her cover role in the West End production yesterday to step into the role of Jean Leslie last night. As individual performers and as a collective, they are all made of brilliant stuff, and makes for a powerful ensemble piece.
Another reason this show stands out as such a smash hit is the combination of its genre-spanning score, brilliant book, and technical direction and design. The relentless pace and precision of all of these elements make it easy to see why it captured the imagination of audiences in both the West End and Broadway; it really is something special.
While most performances are already sold out, if you can, try to get a ticket or join the waiting list. I’ll see you there again on Friday.
Comments