A poignant tribute from Operation Mincemeat
Kitty, December 8th, 2023Until now, MI5 secretary Hester Leggatt (portrayed in the show with great empathy by Jak Malone) is one of the only characters in Operation Mincemeat that little was known about, with her part in history relegated to a Wikipedia footnote.
If you've seen the five-star hit Operation Mincemeat, you, like us might have wondered about one character in particular.
Until now, MI5 secretary Hester Leggatt (portrayed with great empathy by Jak Malone) is one of the only characters in the show that little was known about, with her part in history relegated to a Wikipedia footnote.
But, following the fan-led #FindingHester campaign, her integral part in the outlandish project has now been recognised. After extensive research in the dusty annals of the Imperial War Museum and the National Archives, the tenacious "Mincefluencers" discovered fantastic contemporary sources that added illuminating details to Leggatt's life and career, including her work history, school reports, photographs, and more.
Alongside these new strokes adding to Split Lip and Jak Malone's portrait of Hetser, and an MI5 letter confirming her WWII contributions, Operation Mincemeat will be unveiling a plaque dedicated to Leggatt at the production's Fortune Theatre home on December 11th.
Malone paid tribute to the fans' dedication, saying:
"The commitment, energy and enthusiasm of our fans has left me awed, inspired and immensely proud. Due to their efforts, the real Hester finally has the recognition she so rightly deserves and I'm simply elated. I first built my portrayal of Hester based on scraps of information and thanks to our fans now I've been presented with this fully fleshed-out person with such a rich, full life and It's been a blessing."
Thank you for your service, Hester Leggatt
Have you seen Operation Mincemeat yet? If not, you're in for a treat - you can read what we said about the show here.
