Lyceum Theatre Sheffield – until 25 April 2026
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
5*****
Operation Mincemeat at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield is nothing short of outstanding – a razor sharp, brilliantly executed production that has the audience captivated from the very first moments.
The first class cast delivers phenomenal performances across the board to bring to life the extraordinary and true story of Operation Mincemeat – a crazy but genius plan conjured up by MI5 in WW2 to trick Hitler and the Nazis. Holly Sumpton shines as Ewen Montagu (Monty – an arrogant and upper class fast-tracked Naval Intelligence officer), matched perfectly by his foil character, Sean Carey’s superbly timed Charles Cholmondeley. Jamie-Rose Monk as Johnny Bevan (and others) and Charlotte Hanna-Williams as Jean Leslie (and others) bring versatility, many laughs and energy while Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt (and others) demonstrates his exceptional range. Hester became my favourite character as Andrews injected such poised dignity into this unassuming, comical and lovable character. The seamless switching between characters is executed with astonishing precision – slick, fast and effortlessly clear. Like the real-life operation, clarity is not easy with this complex tale but, the way the team pulls it off is mesmerising.
Written by David Cummings, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts, the show is a masterclass in storytelling. It’s fast-paced yet never confusing, delivering its intricate narrative through funny and clever songs with clarity and wit. Within the first ten minutes, it’s obvious why this production has earned its claim as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history – those five star accolades are more than justified.
The acting, dancing and comic timing are simply sensational. Every-beat lands perfectly with countless laugh-out-loud moments that keep the audience engaged throughout. Not a second feels wasted – each scene flows into the next, maintaining a relentless, exhilarating momentum.
Visually the production is just impressive. Ben Stones’ set and costume design are inventive and striking, complemented beautifully by Mark Henderson’s lighting. Under the musical direction of Sam Sommerfield, every note is delivered flawlessly, while Jenny Arnold’s choreography adds another layer of precision and energy. Directed by Robert Hastie, the entire production feels tightly crafted and bursting with life!
The finale is a full-on, high energy spectacle – glitzy, bold and delightfully reminiscent of Mel Brooks-style extravagance. Operation Mincemeat is sensational, leaving a lasting impression that will stay with one for years to come!
In Operation Mincemeat, every dance step, sung note, every perfectly delivered quip is utterly flawless! A truly unforgettable theatrical experience.