Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat
The Lowry Salford
23 to 28 Feb 2026

*** Drop-dead funny ***

*** A finale that is one of the best this side of Broadway ***

*** Think Dads army meets Hamilton crossed with Spamalot with a side order of ham ***

***** Five stars

This is an immensely fun and enjoyable musical, full of nudge-nudge-wink-wink moments whilst keeping a stiff upper lip. Think Dads army meets Hamilton crossed with Monty Python with a side order of ham. It’s a clever musical based on a true story. when at a time during Second World War, we were losing against Hitler. We needed to come up with a plan. This plan was known as ‘Operation Mincemeat’. The British has the idea that if they left a dead body with a false ID and details of fake British plans of where the Allied troops would invade next. It was hoped that German would then move their force to the wrong location whilst the Allies moved in at a different point. All this is a major gamble, would they take the bait and believe the deception, and how would they find a dead body and create a fake officer ID for them? This is a drop-dead funny show.

Our agents on the top-secret mission are: Seán Carey whose main part was Charles Cholmondeley, he has previously been a member of the mischief comedy company, his hammy charm won the audience over instantly. Christian Andrews was the wonderful ‘Hester Leggatt’, his was a standout performance of the night bring the perfect blend of charm, sensitivity and campery. Having deputed in the west End, Charlotte Hanna-Williams continues in the role of Jean Leslie. New recruit Jamie-Rose Monk is a comedy stalwart, and this came through in her portrait of Johnny Bevan. Holly Sumpton is the enigmatic ego driven Ewan Montagu, she is the glue to the story and keeps the pace and drives this show marching forwards. The whole cast are a delight from start to finish, with quick changes not only in costumes but also characters.

The set is brilliantly simple but comes alive during the finale! A finale that is one of the best this side of Broadway. There’s plenty of catchy lyrics in songs such as ‘The Pitch’, ‘Das Übermensch’ and the wonderful ‘Born to Lead’ all giving the show a cult following. This is such a well-produced show that we are glad to now see on the touring circuit and hopefully will be around again sometime soon. The Lowry have been heavily involved in the early production of this show, giving mentorship, funding and support. This is fast paced non-stop fun, laugh out loud hilarious. An easy five stars from us. So, what are you waiting for recruits, become a new agent and get yourself one of the few remaining tickets – book via below:

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/operation-mincemeat-94h5