Sidcot students’ backstage Broadway experience 

During the February half-term break, a group of drama students from Sidcot School had a once-in-a-lifetime experience travelling to New York. They explored theatres and galleries and performed an excerpt from their recent school production of Alice in Wonderland to an audience of students and staff at the Mary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn. From the buzz of Broadway and bright lights of Times Square to the rich artistry of The Met and the vibrant culture of Brooklyn, students enjoyed five days of incredible experiences and inspiration.  

A real highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to watch the dress rehearsal performance of Operation Mincemeat, a West End production that will soon launch on Broadway.  

One of the students has a personal connection to Operation Mincemeat’s story, as his grandfather was one of the story’s central characters. Operation Mincemeat was a mission during World War Two. Its purpose was to misdirect Nazi Germany from the Allied invasion of Sicily. The plan was for a dead body to be disguised as a British officer, carrying false plans to misdirect Nazi forces. The incredible story of Charles Cholmondeley and Ewan Montagu’s daring espionage operation has inspired various books, movies and documentaries until it finally reached the West End stage in 2023. The musical flips the story entirely on its head, turning a tense tale of wartime espionage and subterfuge into a side-splittingly hilarious satirical musical bursting at the seams with wit, charm and creativity; it’s no small wonder how quickly it gained a cult following with the growing crowd of “Mincefluencers”, some of which the students met in the theatre. 

Dan reflected on the incredible experience of seeing his grandfather’s story brought to life in this unique way: “Watching the dress rehearsal was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip for many of us who got the opportunity to see it. The show never loses its wit, pacing and deliciously dry British humour. Meeting the cast backstage was an unforgettable experience – like the Wizard of Oz’s curtain being lifted – giving a unique look at the workings of Broadway and a chance to learn more about the production experience rather than simply enjoying the performance itself.” Students experienced the full red carpet treatment, having their pictures taken with the cast and experiencing the backstage magic of a Broadway show.  

This trip was a truly enriching experience, filled with learning, creativity, and shared moments that will stay with both students and staff for years to come.