Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat is running at the Fortune Theatre on Russell Street, and it's staying put until 29 May 2027, so there's plenty of time to fit it in. It's a musical based on a true story from 1943: the secret mission that helped win World War II, and the way a well-dressed corpse managed to wrong-foot Hitler. The show is described as equal parts farce, thriller and Ian Fleming-style spy caper, and it's recommended for ages six and over.

It's a fast-paced, funny show that's picked up a fair bit of attention along the way. Critics have called it the year's funniest musical and the best-reviewed show in West End history. It didn't start here, though: it began at the Off-West End New Diorama Theatre in 2019, played the Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios, and opened at the Fortune Theatre on 9 May 2023, running simultaneously in London and New York. Since then, it's won two Olivier Awards, a Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Jak Malone — who originated the role of Hester Leggatt on Broadway and in the West End — and a WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical. It celebrated 1,000 West End performances in August 2025.

Behind the scenes, it's directed by Olivier Award nominee Robert Hastie, with choreography by Jenny Arnold. The production is running at the Fortune Theatre, Russell St, London, WC2B 5HH, with performances on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19:30 and Saturday and Sunday at 15:00. Tickets start from £22.00, subject to a transaction fee of £3.65.