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Broadway Adaptation of Operation Mincemeat Extended Due to Popular Demand
The musical comedy Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, which has garnered critical acclaim and a 2024 Olivier Award, has announced an extension of its Broadway run by four weeks in response to overwhelming audience interest. While it was initially planned for a 16-week engagement, tickets are now available through July 13th, providing fans with more opportunities to experience this unique theatrical offering.
Subscribers to the Operation Mincemeat mailing list will have exclusive access to presale tickets starting on February 27th, with general sales opening the following day, February 28th.
Under the guidance of director Robert Hastie, Operation Mincemeat commenced its preview performances on February 15, leading up to its official opening night on March 20 at the Golden Theatre. The musical’s first preview was sold out and drew an enthusiastic audience, who celebrated with a spirited rendition of the show’s signature song, “Sail On, Boys,” at the stage door.
The cast features talented performers including David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Olivier Award-winner Jak Malone, and Zoë Roberts, who are reprising their celebrated roles for the American premiere. The ensemble is enriched by the understudies: Brandon Contreras, Sam Hartley, Jessi Kirtley, Gerianne Pérez, and Amanda Jill Robinson.
This innovative musical is the brainchild of the comedy group SpitLip, consisting of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts. The creative team’s decision to embark on this project marked a pivotal moment in their careers after years of producing sketch comedies at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, drawing parallels to the legacy of the iconic quartet behind Beyond the Fringe which debuted in 1960.
Set against the backdrop of 1943 during World War II, Operation Mincemeat cleverly blends elements of farce, thriller, and espionage. The story revolves around a remarkable covert operation that altered the course of the conflict, highlighting the extraordinary subterfuge involving a deceased individual whose body holds crucial secrets.
Initially planned for an eight-week run, the musical has seen a remarkable twelve extensions, currently enjoying its third consecutive sold-out year in London’s West End. The production is now available for bookings until June 7, 2025, with group bookings extending into January 2026. It continues to engage audiences through successful ticketing initiatives and a popular biweekly ticket lottery.
Starting as a modest production with limited resources at the New Diorama Theatre, Operation Mincemeat rapidly developed a strong following, leading to sold-out performances at various venues, including the Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. The West End premiere occurred on May 9, 2023, at the Fortune Theatre, where it has garnered 74 five-star reviews, thus earning the title of ‘Best Reviewed Show in West End History.’ The show has attracted a passionate fanbase known as “Mincefluencers.”
This remarkable musical received six nominations for the 2024 Olivier Awards, securing wins for Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. It was also honored as the Best New Musical at the 2024 WhatsOnStage Awards and previously received accolades including the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble, along with The Stage Debut Award for Best Composer/Lyricist.
Produced on Broadway and in the West End by Avalon in collaboration with SpitLip, Operation Mincemeat was commissioned by the New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and supplemented through support from the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com