LAUGHING so hard I could hardly breathe is not what I expected for a musical about a top-secret World War II plan.

I barely catch my breath before the next joke lands, then another, and another.

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This is exactly the kind of comedy musical that the West End needs right now amid all the serious plays currently being staged.

For those who don’t know the basis of Operation Mincemeat, let me fill you in on the most bizarre plan I’ve ever heard.

Boffins at MI5 had to come up with a plan to convince the Germans that they were not about to invade Sicily in 1943.

Cue the corpse of a homeless man as a pilot, with secret documents detailing a fake invasion, washes up on a Spanish shore to deceive the Germans.

The music and book were created by comedy group SpitLip, David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.

Operation Mincemeat has been recommended to me several times since its inception in 2019, and now I know why.

It’s definitely worth the cost of admission and then some.

We are introduced to the five-person cast – who change character and gender as easily as changing clothes – with the song “Born to Lead”.

First up is the cocky and misogynistic Ewen Montague, who is absolutely confident in his superiority.

Natasha Hodgson is hilarious as the unscrupulous Eton-educated spy and doesn’t miss a single chance to poke fun at everyone on stage.

She moves easily between orals to more tender moments despite her microphone doing its best to trip her up.

I’ve seen technology fail before, but no one has ever managed to make it look like part of the gag like Hodgson.

David Cummings is endearing as the kind but incredibly clever Charles Cholmondeley, who is commanded by Montague.

He delivered the most bizarre lines with ease and utter sincerity.

I also learned more than I ever thought I would know about newts – they don’t have a penis, but they do have an anus.

Zoe Roberts commands attention as boss Jonny Bevan and has no problem poking fun at a literary hero with her portrayal of Ian Fleming.

Swimming pool typist Jean Leslie is easily brought to life by Claire Marie Hall – she holds her own in a boys’ club and manages to break open the door to be a part of it.

But the real show stealer is Jak Malone as secretary Hester Leggett.

In between all the hilarity, including singing and dancing Nazis, he delivers a surprisingly touching song with Dear Bill.

The lyrics tell of writing to a loved one in war. Malone’s delivery tugged at my heartstrings and almost brought me to tears. He managed it along with several other audience members.

Fast forward to the second act, and it almost ends with a grand finale – which includes Montague being crowned king as part of his movie about the operation.

But the actual finish pays homage to the homeless man, Glyndwr Michael, whose body became the fictional Captain (Acting Major) William Martin.

It’s a nice nod to the sacrifices made under the tomfoolery on stage.

Operation Mincemeat is the perfect invasion of the West End. Long may they occupy it.

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Operation Minced Meat

Fortune Theatre, London
★★★★★