Operation Mincemeat – The Musical
About Operation Mincemeat
If you thought World War II was all stiff upper lips and serious history lessons, think again. Operation Mincemeat is the gloriously bonkers musical that’s taken the West End (and Broadway) by storm.
Based on the true story of how a handful of British spies tricked the Nazis with a corpse and a suitcase of fake papers, this show turns wartime espionage into a toe-tapping farce. Five brilliant performers play 80+ characters with smart choreography, lightning-fast changes, and a score that bounces from swing to pop.
Sharp, silly, and clever – perfect for teens, history buffs, and anyone who loves theatre with brains, heart, and laughs.
Top Tip from the KidRated Team:
Sit in the stalls if you can – the facial expressions, daft character swaps, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gags are even funnier up close.
Quick Inspiration
Not really. The humour is quick, the history is complex, and while there’s nothing frightening, the pace and wordplay will fly over most under-10s’ heads. Teens and curious tweens with a love of history or musicals will absolutely lap it up.
Yes, but with caveats. The theatre has step-free access, accessible toilets, and can provide assistance if booked ahead. The show itself is very fast-paced, with loud music and sudden lighting changes. So if your child is noise-sensitive, consider ear defenders. Relaxed performances do happen so contact the theatre in advance for details and dates.
Absolutely – especially if they lived through the post-war years . The mix of witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and clever staging makes it a great multi-generational night out. Just be prepared to explain some of the more surreal humour to them over the interval ice cream!
ItWest End prices aren’t the cheapest, but keep an eye out for day seats, rush tickets, or lotteries via apps like TodayTix. Midweek matinees can sometimes be cheaper too.
Around 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval.
The Fortune Theatre is tucked just behind Covent Garden and Drury Lane. Holborn, Temple, and Covent Garden tube stations are all about a 5-10 minute walk. Buses stop on the Strand, and there’s plenty to do nearby if you want to make a day of it.
