Operation Minced Meat was an absolute spectacle to watch on the stage. I enjoyed every moment of this hilarious musical. We’ve been on run of deep and dramatic straight plays, so it felt nice to stray away from that and get something a little more light hearted. I really appreciate the direction this show decided to go in. It easily could’ve been written as a straight play and succeeded in that manner. But I researched this show and it seems to have already been done as a serious drama. Just not on the stage but rather, on the silver screen. Twice. “The Man who Never Was”, which came out in 1956 and of course, “Operation Mincemeat”, the 2021 film. That being said, I enjoyed the bold decision to turn this into a self aware extravaganza that didn’t shy away from the touchy subject matter.
Speaking of touchy subject matter, I don’t think this show would be allowed to play in Germany. When Act II commenced, I was in awe. It was, for a lack of better words, a Nazi Party. I felt like I was in a club with the EDM styled music and spectacular choreography. And with all of the actors wearing glittery Nazi outfits, it wasn’t short of shock value. If it weren’t for the ending comment saying, “Whos side are you all on”? I think it might’ve offended a few folks. It very much felt like a standup comdey show at times which I really liked.
Spying is presented in this show in various ways. A moment that sticks out to me is when the informant from Spain known as Haselden was trying to make it clear that the suitcase indeed held top secret British information to the German spies. Haselden plays an important role in the spy process of this show.
Overall, I loved this show and I’m going to look into more of this remarkable moment in history.
Theatre in London U of A 