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The Manc -
3rd March 2020
The Manc -
3rd March 2020 What's On
Operation Mincemeat at The Lowry, Manchester – Monty Python meets Six in a masterclass of multi-rolling
Clementine Hall
The best-reviewed show in West End history has just opened in Manchester, and it’s a must-see for any theatre lover.
When you think of a great topic or story for a glitzy musical, an underground secret mission of World War II doesn’t exactly spring to mind.
But Operation Mincemeat suddenly turns this very serious snippet of history into the most hilarious thing you’ve ever seen.
From starting out as a small fringe musical about a covert British war plan, Operation Mincemeat is now a huge West End and Broadway Smash having received a monumental 88 five star reviews.
So, how did the British MI5 trick Hitler with a corpse, an engagement ring, a love letter and a collection of receipts?
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Well, this musical walks you through it in a style that combines Monty Python with Six the Musical, in the most brilliant way.
The cast consists of only five performers, each who play a myriad of rolls of both genders – and this is no mean feat.
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Holly Sumpton leads the troops as the Eton-educated, dapperly dressed and much too self-assured Montague.
It’s a perfect performance that leads the narrative, and pokes fun at the posh male entitlement that is only heightened by her physical humour made better by the cross-casting.
Seán Carey plays the bumbling and sweet scientist Charles, a character that lacks the boarding school confidence yet gains the trust of the audience as we root for his success. Carey’s physicality and playfulness made for some of the night’s funniest moments.
Charlotte Hanna-Williams plays a headstrong Jean as she tries to break through the misogynistic ideals of war time Britain, and Jamie-Rose Monk is an absolute hoot as Bevan and a whole host of other roles – popping up in places you’d never expect somehow wearing a different hat or waistcoat.
The highlight performance for me though was Christian Andrews, who flicks between the slimy coroner Spilsbury and meticulous yet loveable MI5 matron with utter ease.
The song Dear Bill was a welcomed tender moment nearing the end of act one in the high-pace, slapstick performance that left no dry eye in the house.
But it’s not the individual performances that make Operation Mincemeat so spectacular, it’s an absolute masterclass in multi-rolling with no performer missing a beat throughout.
It’s fast, it’s risky (there’s even a couple of swastikas), at often times its heartfelt, and its downright bloody hilarious.
This is why original musicals matter, and this one certainly deserves its flowers.
Operation Mincemeat is at The Lowry until Saturday28 February before embarking on a world tour, and you can get your tickets here.
Read more: Beloved stage musical Billy Elliot to return to Manchester for 2026 Christmas season
Featured image – Supplied
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Local BID board launch new ‘Visit Alty’ app ahead of Taste of Altrincham 2026
Danny Jones
One of Trafford’s resident BID (Business Improvement District) board have officially launched their brand-new ‘Visit Alty’ app for the market town ahead of this year’s A Taste of Altrincham festival.
Set to be a dedicated one-stop where residents can find out what’s going on in and around the area, the platform is already available on the likes of the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android phones.
As A Taste of Alty returns for 2026, this is just the second instalment in the total 10-day food and drink party – with a big opening weekend celebration starting this Friday, 27 February – the latest innovation by Altrincham BID is hoping to keep residents more up to date on their village than ever.
Sponsored by native law firm Myerson Solicitors and supported by various local businesses, the sophomore edition of the now annual festivities serves as the ideal staging event for the fledgling Visit Altrincham app.
With a full programme events kicking off this weekend, the app itself is ideal for keeping track of everything going.
In addition to workshops, live demos by regional chefs, supper clubs, wine tastings, the latest ‘Ultimate Pudding Competition’ and lots of other special events, it can be hard to keep track of everything.
That why, like any good festival, the app has a full map and guide featuring all the key info.
Beyond just the event itself, the app itself is aimed at supporting local independents and more by helping to increase their exposure, sign-post daytrippers to the old Cheshire holdout’s best bits, and push more and more people to one of the borough’s blossoming suburb in general.
Teaming up with a number of popular locations in and around the town centre, it’s a real come one, come all affair – just as things should be.
Residents and visitors alike can also found physical printed copies of the full Taste of Alty ’26 programme nearby at the likes of Altrincham Library, the Bee Network Interchange, as well as OYEZ Arts at the Town Hall.
Created with digital town hub partners, Loqiva, co-founder Marcus Chidgey said in a statement: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Altrincham BID to support Altrincham’s continued growth.
“With a strong independent business scene, an award-winning Market and excellent transport connections to Manchester, the Visit Altrincham app offers a new way for people to discover and explore the town.”
As for the local BID department, Alty’s director Mandy White added: “If you haven’t downloaded the Visit Altrincham app yet, now is the perfect time. It’s a simple way to find out what’s on, discover local businesses and unlock exclusive offers, especially during A Taste of Altrincham.
“The app helps people get more from their visit while supporting our independent businesses and high street brands.”
The Visit Altrincham app is FREE to download right now – you can find it HERE.
Read more:
- Cuppello’s latest community-led coffee shop is far from hidden, but it is a proper gem
- Manchester artist Stanley Chow to host free DJ set at beloved Garden Bar in Chorlton
- Six by Nico to close popular Manchester location as it ‘evolves’ into something new
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Altrincham BID)
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