Mary Todd Lincoln is a grieving woman in a man’s world, and in John Ransom Phillips’ play, Mrs President at the Charing Cross Theatre, she is fighting not only to find her own identity but against her grief and the ‘creative vision’ of a celebrity photographer.
Mrs President tell’s Mary’s (Keala Settle) story through a series of encounters at Mathew Brady’s (Hal Fowler) photography studio.
It jumps through time to various points in her life, showing her as a child, first lady, grieving mother and eventually widow, with Mathew Brady attempting to capture his version of each.
Mary’s record in history as first lady isn’t that complementary. She is often presented as a hindrance to her husband and a hysteric who spent lavishly.
More recently historians have speculated that she suffered from depression and bipolar disorder and in Keala Settle’s portrayal, she is devoted, grief-stricken, vulnerable and perhaps naive.
The play takes a little while to settle into its format, initially the narrative is confused as real events blend with fantasy. Movement sequences between early scenes feel a little clunky and overwrought.
Hal Fowler’s Mathew Brady is eccentric and outlandish to the point where he overshadows Mary’s story.
He displays overt sensitivity about his creative process and bosses Mary about, refusing to diverge from his vision of what her photo should look like.
There is also irony when Mary highlights women’s lack of agency in society – even those in seemingly privileged positions – when compared to Brady’s treatment.
Mrs President is the second play about Mary Todd Lincoln to be playing in the West End, and the two couldn’t be more different.
The other, Oh Mary! at the Trafalgar Theatre, is eccentric and outlandish in a very different way; it plays up to Mary’s reputation, choosing fun over drama.
Final thoughts
Mrs President, at its heart, has an interesting story, but if its aim is to reframe Mary Todd Lincoln’s tainted legacy, I’m not sure how well it succeeds with its muddled and imbalanced execution.
I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mrs President, Charing Cross Theatre
Written by John Ransom Phillips
Directed by Bronagh Lagan
Cast: Keala Settle and Hal Fowler
Running time: 85 minutes without and interval
Booking until 8 March, 2026. For more information and to buy tickets visit the Charing Cross Theatre website.
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