Operation Mincemeat

Stalls H2: “Operation Mincemeat” (May 2023), (Broadway John). Loads of legroom! Seats are offset but there is very little rake. Good view although heads are occasionally in the way a little bit, but I think that would be true of almost all of the stall seats.
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My trip to Mincemeat on Saturday was only because I won the lottery. My friend wanted to see it and as it was my favourite musical this trip I went again even though I had already bought a ticket for Monday night. Had the understudy for Montagu. She was very similar to the regular actress, but I still missed her as she is my favourite in the cast. I actually didn’t enjoy it as much as I had earlier in my trip. But I was extremely sleep deprived. Thought maybe I don’t like this as much as I thought. Was regretting I had to see it again in 2 days. 

Saw Mincemeat last night and the whole cast were in. Loved it again! Putting down my less enthusiastic response from Saturday night as being due to my incredible fatigue. It wasn’t the understudy from Saturday that was the problem it was no sleep. So glad I got to see this one last time before I go home.

Stalls H 15: Nice aisle seat. Good legroom. Seats offset. Would love to sit here again! 
Stalls F1: The left side of the stage was sometimes blocked. The rake wasn't very good so had to look around the head in front of me some. Good legroom.

Broadway John.
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I like the plot but I would have preferred a larger cast.

And as a German I think the joke to put one finger above your lips to symbolise Hitler has been overused and is getting lamer and lamer. That used to be funny years ago but it isn't anymore.

*** from my side only because of the music. 
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I hadn’t seen this show during it’s beginnings as a Fringe piece, or the a-la Mischief Theatre polishing and adapting as it played smaller venues, but I am so glad I saw the final shining piece of musical theatre that is the result.

Operation Mincemeat tells the true, improbable story of one of the most leftfield and unlikely plans ever to be dreamt of, as the [SPOILER ALERT] Allies planted a dead body, mocked up as a pilot carrying ‘secret’ papers that suggest the Nazis direct their operations elsewhere, setting up a crucial invasion [SPOILER ENDS]

This is that rare thing, the perfect show: Funny, deeply moving - often switching at the drop of a hat (‘Dear Bill’ is an emotional punch to the guts that comes out of nowhere, there were tears flowing openly and the five-minute ovation was thoroughly deserved).

It’s full of nice touches - even the programme joins in (bottom left hand corner has coordinates… they’re the coordinates for the Fortune Theatre).

The script has been polished to perfection, every song slots in perfectly and sets a scene, the hugely talented cast switch roles and personas at the drop of a hat. The pace is relentless, never once is there a dip in quality.  Every joke hits it’s target right on the bullseye.

Set and lighting combine to create, often with seemingly simple adjustments of props and lights, a world of different locations. And they know when to bring on the pizzazz and when to strip it back - there is one short, almost throwaway scene at the end that piles on the glitz and glamour that must have taken so much time and effort to set up, but sets the punchline to an earlier gag so it’s worth every second.

The previous occupant of The Fortune Theatre made it it’s home for 33 years.  This show could easily match if not beat that record. There are many that have seen Operation Mincemeat over 30 times.  It’s the most improbable show about the most implausible true story… and it’s pure musical perfection. Do yourself a favour, see it, then visit again and seek out all the things you missed the first time around, with a Sangria of course.

Bob Pickett.
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Monday ticket lottery in October 2023: so got £90 Saturday Matinee seats for £25! Very chuffed and grateful for this great deal! Show was brilliant - cast were amazing!

I read your seat advice as always TM - ta!
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We both loved the show, it was so imaginatively staged and so much fun. I went in knowing absolutely nothing, so it was a joy to let the story unfold. The cast worked tirelessly throughout; I can’t single anyone out but as an ensemble of 5 they were seamless. I enjoyed this as much as any other show I’ve seen this year, more than most in fact. The change of tone right at the end was most unexpected but worked beautifully. A real treat overall and one I would highly recommend.

We sat in the stalls D1 and 2 having been shown these seats by the box office staff when I booked. A corner of the stage was missed from D1 but this was more than made up for by the glorious legroom. I was able to stretch and stay comfortable therefore enhancing my enjoyment of the show. It has to be said that the toilets were designed for Ronnie Corbett, I really struggled there!! 
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Stalls J8 to 12: Seat J12 was in front of the sound desk, which was a slight distraction.

View from J8 to 11 was fine unless you have a very tall person in front of you (which I did!), which blocks a third of the stage.

The theatre has the smallest toilets known to mankind. Plan your comfort breaks, and your clothing - if you stand up quickly you could smash your face against the door, and as for going into a cubicle wearing a thick, quilted coat.....