If you think war stories are all grit, mud and stern faces, think again. Operation Mincemeat turns one of World War II’s most audacious espionage missions into a riotously clever, high-energy musical – and somehow makes it both hilarious and deeply moving.

Based on the real 1943 British intelligence operation, the show tells the story of a corpse, a fake identity, and an elaborate bluff designed to fool the Nazis about the Allied invasion of Sicily. It sounds improbable because it is. But it happened.

What makes the musical soar isn’t just the outlandish premise – it’s the razor-sharp writing. Created by the brilliantly inventive troupe SpitLip, the show blends quick-change performances, whip-smart lyrics and a wink-to-the-audience energy that keeps you constantly leaning in.

The cast play multiple roles with breathless commitment. One moment you’re watching buttoned-up military strategists; the next, a swaggering naval officer or an unexpectedly poignant love interest. It’s theatrical athleticism at its finest.

But beneath the satire and silliness lies something more thoughtful. The show gently asks: who gets remembered in history? Whose stories are told? And what does it mean to invent a life – even for a dead man – in service of a greater good?

The score swings from patter-song brilliance to surprisingly tender ballads. You laugh – properly laugh – and then suddenly you’re caught off guard by a lump in your throat.

In short, Operation Mincemeat proves that even in the darkest chapters of history, ingenuity and humanity shine through. It’s bold, bonkers, and brilliantly British.

History has never been this entertaining.

Cast members in the current tour include Christian Andrews, Seán Carey, Charlotte Hanna-Williams and Holly Sumpton and Jamie-Rose Monk. Amazing vocals from each cast member and the Dear Bill song is just stunning.

Details of the UK tour can be found here.