There’s a special kind of magic that Mikron Theatre Company brings to its productions — an intimacy, warmth, and inventiveness that feels right at home whether on a canal towpath or in a village hall. Operation Beach Hut, their latest touring show, is no exception. Written by Harvey Badger and scored by Amal El-Sawad, the piece blends nostalgia, humour, and social commentary in a charming and thoughtful exploration of Britain's ever-shifting coastline culture.
Set against the backdrop of Britain’s enduring love affair with the humble beach hut, Operation Beach Hut delves into the community tensions, nostalgic longings, and bureaucratic battles that unfold along the coastline. What unfolds is a delightful tug-of-war between personal memory and public progress, full of colourful characters, catchy songs, and that hallmark Mikron mix of wit and warmth.
Harvey Badger’s debut script is sharp and full of heart, weaving in reflections on community, gentrification, and the power of shared space with a light touch. The dialogue zips along, peppered with seaside puns and affectionate nods to British holiday traditions. It's grounded yet playful, political without being preachy — a balance that Mikron has always managed with skill.
Amal El-Sawad’s music lifts the show beautifully. From toe-tapping ensemble numbers to more contemplative solos, the score is tuneful, varied, and perfectly suited to the show’s tone. There’s a hint of the whimsical seaside postcard in the melodies — but also an undercurrent of something deeper, more reflective, mirroring the show’s emotional core. The cast, multi-talented as always, handle the musical demands with ease, shifting between instruments, characters, and choreography with impressive fluidity.
Marianne McNamara’s direction ensures the piece moves at a brisk pace without losing its intimacy. The staging is inventive and resourceful — as ever with Mikron’s signature style, the minimal set is used to great effect, transforming swiftly between beach, town hall, and seafront protest with little more than a clever prop or costume change.
The cast is small but mighty, features Mikron stalwarts, James McLean and Rob Took, and some new faces to the tour Georgina Liley and Catherine Warnock, each member taking on multiple roles with energy and flair. The performances are engaging, full of heart, and brimming with the kind of chemistry that only comes from a company truly in sync with its mission.
Operation Beach Hut is everything we’ve come to love and expect from Mikron: it’s entertaining, socially conscious, and joyfully unpretentious. Whether you’re a regular at the theatre or catching a show at your local pub garden, it’s a reminder of the power of community — both on and off stage.
Thank you for a lovely evening, Mikron Theatre Company
Reviewer - Simon Oliver
Om - 08/04/25
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