David Cumming from Operation Mincemeat
Published: Tuesday 21st June 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. Taking the plunge this week is David Cumming, an actor, director, musician and accidental stuntman who has enjoyed some proper thrills and spills recently. He'll reveal all later.
Today, Cumming joins us in his capacity as "one quarter of theatre company SpitLip (Natasha Hodgson, Zoe Roberts and Felix Hagan are my co-conspirators). Our critically-acclaimed comedy musical Operation Mincemeat is currently on at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith."
Critically-acclaimed is right - Mincemeat's reviews are more rave than a big roomful of glowsticks. An enormous envelope of ecstasy. That real-life wartime drama has been prominent in print and film of late too, but the hugely talented Spitlip turn it into a riotous - and moving - romp. should it work? Maybe not. Does it? Definitely. But let's let Cumming explain the show.
"It tells the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.
"With a multi-rolling, gender-swapping cast of five, we take a whistle-stop tour through a whole host of musical styles and answer that age-old question: how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? Come see the show to find out. We've just extended the run until 23rd July so you've ample time to come watch our tired, sweaty bodies. But book quickly, tickets are selling fast!"
Tired, sweaty box office gold. David Cumming, your Random 8 await.
Who was your childhood hero - and why?
The dog from HMV. What a great life. Just eternally vibing to a gramophone. Yes please.
Do you have a favourite device?
I had a Tamagotchi as a child which I was unhealthily obsessed with. One day, whilst taunting me, my eldest sister 'accidentally' dropped it down the toilet. I screamed so loud my mum thought someone had died. To my tech-addled brain, it had. I now find it very hard to connect to technology. I also shed a tear every time I go for a Number Two. Brutal stuff.
What's your favourite mode of transport?
Sedan Chair. There is something very relaxing knowing that others are suffering for my comfort.
Your most interesting injury?
I recently broke my collarbone a week before the show opened. Laces got caught in my bike gears. The bike stopped. I didn't. Less interesting and more utterly dumb. My life is a walking farce. As a result, I have had to take a step back from performing as Charles Cholomondely in the show. The brilliant Sean Carey, who is currently playing the role, learnt the entire two-act musical in a week. Truly the stuff of legend.
What's the best or worst book you've ever read?
Buddly Buddly Boo, Baby Detective. Sure, it is written for three year-olds, but it didn't go anywhere, made no sense along the way and the main character was, quite frankly, a precocious little twunt.
Who's the most interesting person you've met?
I once sat next to Mark Gatiss at an awards ceremony (SpitLip went on to win Best Composer/Lyricist for Operation Mincemeat that night *clang*). He was scintillating company and a great conversationalist.
I also once met a Myna bird who could say the word "Ricicles", but I'm not sure that counts as a person.
The best thing in your wardrobe?
A rainbow-coloured, leopard print woollen jumper given to me by my fellow Spitlipper Zoe. Sounds awful. Looks amazing. Simply has no business being so divine.
What's the weirdest thing you ever ate?
Your Dad.
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