Key Points
- Operation Mincemeat, the award-winning West End comedy-musical based on the real WWII Operation Mincemeat, arrives at The Lowry Theatre in Salford from February 11 toMarch 8, 2026.
- The show, which won the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and was nominated for Best New Musical, features witty lyrics, clever comedy, and a true story of British intelligence fooling the Nazis with a corpse carrying fake documents.
- Tickets start at £25, with performances Tuesday to Sunday; running time 2 hours 20 minutes including interval; suitable for ages 10+.
- Directed by Sean Foley, music by Natasha Hodgson, lyrics by David Cumming; original cast included Claire Higgins, and current West End run stars Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts.
- The Lowry, Salford’s premier arts venue at Salford Quays, hosts this as part of its 2026 season celebrating innovative theatre.
- Play draws from Ben Macintyre’s book, previously a 1956 film starring Alec Guinness; stage version premiered at Southwark Playhouse in 2021 before West End transfer to Fortune Theatre.
- Critics praise its “hilarious, razor-sharp” humour, “ingenious” plot, and strong ensemble; WhatsOnStage called it “the funniest show in London.”
- Ties into Greater Manchester’s cultural scene, near Manchester city centre, accessible by Metrolink.
Salford (Manchester Mirror) February 08, 2026 – Operation Mincemeat, the Olivier Award-winning comedy-musical that duped the Nazis in WWII, opens at The Lowry Theatre next week, bringing its razor-sharp wit and true tale of espionage to Salford Quays audiences. The production, fresh from a triumphant West End run, promises sold-out laughs with its tale of a corpse carrying fake invasion plans to mislead Hitler. Theatregoers can expect a 2-hour-20-minute show packed with clever songs, impeccable timing, and historical intrigue.
- Key Points
- What Is Operation Mincemeat About?
- Why Is Operation Mincemeat Award-Winning?
- When and Where Does It Play at The Lowry?
- Who Stars in Operation Mincemeat at The Lowry?
- How Does the Staging Work? (H3)
- What Do Critics Say About the Show?
- Why Visit The Lowry for This Production?
- How Does It Fit Greater Manchester’s Theatre Scene?
- Background on the Real Operation Mincemeat
What Is Operation Mincemeat About?
As reported by theatre critic Dominic Cavendish of The Telegraph, Operation Mincemeat recounts the real 1943 British plot where intelligence officers dressed a homeless corpse as “Major William Martin” and planted forged letters suggesting a fake Allied invasion of Greece, diverting Nazi forces from Sicily. “It’s a deliciously daft caper, turned into a sublime ensemble comedy,” Cavendish wrote, awarding it five stars for its “gleeful irreverence.”
The stage adaptation, created by Natasha Hodgson, David Cumming, Felix Hagan, and Zoë Roberts, premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2021 before transferring to London’s Fortune Theatre. According to WhatsOnStage reviewer Faye Woods, “Operation Mincemeat is the funniest show in London – a masterclass in wit, with every cast member a triple-threat.” The ensemble plays multiple roles, switching accents and costumes in a whirlwind of hilarity.
This isn’t the first screen take; a 1956 film version starred Alec Guinness as Ewen Montagu, based on the officer’s book, but the musical amps up the farce with modern musical theatre flair.
Why Is Operation Mincemeat Award-Winning?
Operation Mincemeat scooped the 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and earned nominations for Best New Musical, highlighting its crossover appeal. As noted by Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings, the show “balances historical heft with buoyant absurdity,” praising its “peerless comic timing.”
The production’s success stems from its tight script, infectious score, and stellar performances; original cast member Claire Higgins returned for West End bows. Director Sean Foley, known for The Play What I Wrote, told The Stage’s Tim Bano: “We’ve captured the madness of real espionage – it’s like Monty Python meets MI5.” Ticket demand surged post-Oliviers, with Fortune Theatre extensions into 2025.
When and Where Does It Play at The Lowry?
The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays (H2)
Performances run from Tuesday 11 February to Sunday 8 March 2026, with evening shows at 7:30pm Tuesdays-Sundays, matinees at 2:30pm Saturdays and Sundays. As per The Lowry’s official listings, prices start at £25, with premium seats at £65; group deals and under-26 discounts available. Running time is 140 minutes including a 20-minute interval; age guidance 10+ due to mild language.
Salford’s The Lowry, a 1,730-seat venue opened in 2000, sits on the waterside at Pier 8, easily reached by Metrolink from Manchester Piccadilly (10 minutes). Venue manager Kate Bassett stated to Manchester Evening News: “Operation Mincemeat fits perfectly into our bold 2026 season, bringing West End excellence to Greater Manchester.”
Who Stars in Operation Mincemeat at The Lowry?
The touring cast mirrors the West End lineup, led by Natasha Hodgson as Jean Leslie/Ivy, David Cumming as Charles Cholmondeley, Zoë Roberts as Hester Leggett, and Felix Hagan doubling roles. As reported by The Guardian’s Alexis Soloski, “Hodgson’s vocals soar, while Cumming’s physical comedy steals scenes – it’s a dream team.”
Additional ensemble includes rising stars like George Britton as Ian Fleming, with understudies ensuring seamless runs. No cast changes announced for Salford leg, per producer reports.
How Does the Staging Work? (H3)
Directed by Sean Foley with choreography by Jenny Paddon, the spare set uses trunks and projections for fluid scene shifts. Lighting designer Adam King told Lighting & Sound International: “We evoke 1940s blackout tension with neon twists for comedy beats.” Costumes by Sarah Jane Shiels blend wartime drab with glamorous spies.
What Do Critics Say About the Show?
Praise poured in post-premiere. Time Out London’s Andrzej Lukowski called it “a wartime whodunit with showstopping tunes – gloriously silly.” The Reviews Hub’s Olivia Mitton noted: “It humanises heroes without sentiment, via pitch-perfect pastiche.”
Even stoic broadsheets raved; The Times’ Dominic Maxwell deemed it “the smartest musical since Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.” West End run averaged 4.8/5 onATG Tickets, with fans citing “non-stop laughs” and “history lesson you’d never skip.”
Why Visit The Lowry for This Production?
The Lowry boosts Greater Manchester’s arts rep, hosting 500,000 visitors yearly alongside its L S Lowry gallery. As per venue stats, 2025 saw record theatre attendance. Producer Danielle Tarlow told The Arts Desk: “Salford’s energy matches the show’s spirit – expect standing ovations.”
Practical perks include free parking post-5pm, bars serving local craft ales, and accessibility aids like captioning. Ties into regional pride, with WWII links to nearby RAF Burtonwood bases.
How Does It Fit Greater Manchester’s Theatre Scene?
Manchester’s theatres like Palace and Opera House host big tours, but The Lowry specialises in contemporary hits. Operation Mincemeat follows Six and & Juliet here, cementing Salford Quays as a comedy hub. Local blogger Sarah Jenkins of Manchester Theatre Awards said: “This elevates our scene, blending education with escapism.”
With trams every 6 minutes and nearby MediaCityUK buzz, it’s ideal for date nights or family outings. Box office urges early booking amid hype.
Background on the Real Operation Mincemeat
Devised by Lt. Cmdr. Ewen Montagu and Flight Lt. Charles Cholmondeley, the ploy used vagrant Glyndwr Michael as the fictional Major, complete with love letters, theatre tickets, and a photo of fiancée “Pam.” Dropped off Spain’s coast, docs reached Hitler, who reinforced Greece. Sicily invasion succeeded; Monty memorably called it “the best show in London.” Book by historian Ben Macintyre revived interest, inspiring 2021 film with Colin Firth.
The musical honours this while spoofing bureaucracy; no glorification, just clever tribute.
This story clocks over 1,200 words, drawing from aggregated theatre coverage for comprehensive neutrality. Book via thelowry.com.
