The spotlight shines on a woman clad in a navy-blue uniform, her face determined yet playful. With a mischievous grin, she transforms into a Havana dancer, her movements fluid and captivating. In the blink of an eye, she becomes a stern naval officer, barking orders with a clipped British accent. This is Claire-Marie Hall, the chameleon-like star of the West End’s unlikely hit musical, Operation Mincemeat.
Based on a true story, Operation Mincemeat delves into the audacious World War II deception that aimed to mislead the Nazis about the location of an Allied invasion. The plan involved planting false documents on a deceased man, disguising him as a British officer, and floating his body ashore in Spain.
The musical, a blend of historical intrigue, irreverent humour, and eclectic music, brings this improbable tale to life on stage, drawing audiences into a world of espionage, unlikely heroes, and the power of human ingenuity.
“It’s been amazing to see the show grow,” Hall reflects, her eyes sparkling with pride. “And the audience has grown with us.” Indeed, the musical’s journey from its fringe theatre origins in 2019 to its current residence at the Fortune Theatre is nothing short of extraordinary. Critics have hailed it as a “delightful spoof WW2 musical” (Time Out) and an “irrepressible musical comedy” (The Guardian), praising its “laser-focused” humour, “ingenious ensemble,” and the “off the chart” chemistry of the cast.
But long before Operation Mincemeat took the West End by storm, Hall’s journey in the theatre world had already begun. Born and raised in Newport, Wales, she was a child star in the making. At just 11 years old, she secured her first professional role as Ngana in the National Theatre’s touring production of South Pacific. A televised performance for the Duchess of Kent and a stint with a renowned function band further fuelled her passion for the stage.
“When I was younger, there weren’t many Asian faces in the industry,” Hall admits. “But Lea Salonga was a huge inspiration… it was her performance that made me fall in love with musicals.” Inspired by Salonga’s trailblazing career, Hall moved to London at 18 to attend the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Upon graduation, she made her West End debut as Cosette in Les Misérables, followed by roles in High School Musical Live on Stage and The King and I.
However, amidst the early successes, Hall took a hiatus from acting. “I realized how much I missed the creative fulfilment acting offers,” she explains. “This industry requires a passion beyond financial motivation.” This realization led her back to the stage, where she ultimately found her way to “Operation Mincemeat.” Joining the cast in 2020, she quickly became an integral part of the show’s development, her versatility shining through in the myriads of the characters she portrays.
“The transitions are quick,” Hall explains, describing the challenge of multi-rolling. “It’s a whirlwind but incredibly fun to switch so rapidly and embody so many different personas.” While each character brings its own unique energy, Hall’s portrayal of Jean Leslie, the real-life MI5 secretary at the centre of the operation, is particularly poignant.
“Her evolution—both within the show and as interpreted by me—has been profound,” she says. “The role started with a lot of me in it, and over time, I’ve seen parts of her evolve that reflect my own growth.” Meeting Leslie’s family deepened Hall’s connection to the role, adding a layer of responsibility and authenticity to her performance.
Operation Mincemeat, with its eclectic mix of vaudevillian tunes, modern musical theatre sensibilities, and even a Beyoncé-inspired dance number, has struck a chord with audiences of all ages. “The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical,” declares The Washington Post, while The Independent hails.
As a British-Filipino actress, Hall is also acutely aware of the importance of representation in the arts. “There’s definitely been progress in making casting more inclusive, but we still have a long way to go,” she acknowledges. She sees the evolving landscape of casting as a positive sign, opening up opportunities for actors from diverse backgrounds.
With Operation Mincemeat extending its run in the West End and a potential Broadway transfer on the horizon, the future looks bright for Hall. As she continues to delight audiences with her talent and versatility, her passion for the craft remains unwavering. “My advice [to young actors] is to embrace every opportunity to learn and perform,” she says. “This career is not about money or fame; it’s about passion and creativity.”
Intrigued by Claire-Marie Hall’s story and the unlikely hit musical Operation Mincemeat? Learn more about the show and book your tickets today!
