Operation Mincemeat to embark on first ever tour next year

The WhatsOnStage Award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat will embark on a world tour, beginning with an extended stay in the UK early next year.

Written and composed by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts of SpitLip, the musical comedy is based on a true story of the twisted secret mission that helped win World War II. First seen off-West End in 2019, it had developmental runs at the New Diorama Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios.

Running concurrently with the West End season, the new tour (which will play for 40 weeks in the UK) will open at the Lowry in Salford on 16 February 2026 – with additional tour stops revealed here.

SpitLip said today: “Broadway opened the literal world to us, and we couldn’t be more grateful for every unpredictable twist of this astonishing journey. Most of all, we wish to thank the audiences who continue to carry this show with love and enthusiasm. Operation Mincemeat reminds us that in uncertain times, the bonds between allies are more important than ever – and that message feels especially relevant as we consider all the great nations in which our show will now have the opportunity to play. This show continues to be the adventure of a lifetime, and we’re wildly excited about what’s to come.”

The show had its first ever showing in a scratch night at the Lowry in 2017, so the new tour premiere represents a homecoming of sorts.

You can listen to the Mincemeat creators discuss the show’s journey from a studio space all the way to Broadway – and beyond:

The production is helmed by director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), who provided directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, and choreographed by Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera).

The creative team also includes Ben Stones (Sylvia) as set and costume designer, Mark Henderson (Girl from the North Country) as lighting designer, Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera) as sound designer, Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as orchestrator and vocal arranger, and Georgie Staight as associate director. Casting is by Pearson Casting.

Beyond UK shores, the tour will also visit the US, Australia, Canada, China, Mexico and New Zealand.

Commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by the Lowry, and also supported by the Rhine, the musical is presented in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip), who have supported the show since the Southwark Playhouse runs.

The show is also running on Broadway, where it was recently nominated for four Tony Awards.

Casting for the tour will be revealed in due course.

See the full list of 2026 dates.