Overview
Synopsis
Operation Mincemeat is a new British musical comedy based on the real-life World War Two deception operation of the same name. In 1943, a small team of MI5 agents build up a plan to plant “Bill”, a fictitious soldier’s body where the Germans will find it, hoping to generate false information to the enemy. Written by the comedy troupe SpitLip, Operation Mincemeat tells an important story in a new, hilarious way, showcasing the United Kingdom’s best talent. With a 2024 Olivier for Best New Musical, this small but mighty five-person cast are sure to entertain and leave you feeling joyful and very silly indeed.
Show Information
- Book
- David Cumming , Felix Hagan , Zoë Roberts , Natasha Hodgson
- Music
- Natasha Hodgson , David Cumming , Felix Hagan , Zoë Roberts
- Lyrics
- Zoë Roberts , Natasha Hodgson , Felix Hagan , David Cumming
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Operation Mincemeat, a WWII British deception operation
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2019
- Genres
- Comedy, Parody
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- England, 1943
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Ideal For
- Small Cast, Regional Theatre, Professional Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
Act One
- Born to Lead – Montagu & Company
- God That’s Brilliant – Company
- Dead in the Water – Cholmondeley
- Dead in the Water (Reprise) – Cholmondeley
- All the Ladies – Jean & Company
- The Pitch – Montagu, Cholmondeley, & Jean
- Born to Lead (Reprise) – Montagu, Cholmondeley, & Jean
- Making a Man – Company
- Love is a Bird – Cholmondeley & Jean
- Dear Bill – Hester
- Sail on, Boys – Company
- Just for Tonight – Montagu & Company
Act Two
- Das Übermensch – Company
- Bevan’s Update – Bevan, Cholmondeley, & Montagu
- The Ballad of Willie Watkins – Willie & Company
- Spilsbury Reprise – Spilsbury & Company
- I Call Abort – Bevan
- Haselden’s Got a Good Feeling – Hasleden & Cholmondeley
- Useful – Hester & Jean
- Act as If – Company
- Finale – Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
A global conflict often explored in theatre through themes of resistance, loss, trauma, and moral complexity.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Mychele Lebrun
Canadian music theatre artist currently based in London, England.