The West End is about to get a dose of presidential absurdity as Cole Escola's critically acclaimed comedy Oh, Mary! makes its London transfer. The play offers a wildly irreverent look at Mary Todd Lincoln, portraying Abraham Lincoln's wife as a frustrated, booze-loving wannabe cabaret star.
From Off-Broadway Sensation to London Run
Following its triumphant sold-out season in New York, Oh, Mary! begins performances at the London venue on November 28, 2024. The production is scheduled to run for a strictly limited season, concluding on January 25, 2025. This transfer brings the full original creative team and its unique brand of humour to British audiences.
The play reimagines the final days of the American Civil War through a bizarre and hilarious lens. A miserable Abraham Lincoln, terrified of going to the theatre, is desperate to send his wife away. Mary, meanwhile, dreams of ditching her First Lady duties for a life on the cabaret stage, causing chaos in the White House.
The Creative Force Behind the Chaos
The show is the brainchild of Cole Escola, who not only wrote the play but also stars in the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln. Escola is celebrated for their work on shows like At Home with Amy Sedaris and their viral character sketches. Their portrayal of Mary is both unhinged and deeply funny.
The London production will see the return of Sam Pinkleton as director, ensuring the same directorial vision that made the New York run a hit. The creative team successfully captures the essence of a historical figure while completely subverting expectations, creating a comedy that feels both fresh and utterly ridiculous.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
The New York production of Oh, Mary! earned rave reviews, with critics praising its sharp writing and Escola's fearless performance. The play was described as a 'deranged historical fantasia' that had audiences laughing throughout. Its success demonstrates a growing appetite for inventive, genre-bending work in mainstream theatre.
This London run represents a significant moment for American comedy making a cross-Atlantic leap. It joins a trend of successful off-Broadway transfers that find a passionate audience in the UK, particularly for shows that blend historical satire with contemporary comedic sensibilities.
With tickets now on sale, theatre-goers in London have a limited opportunity to witness one of the most talked-about comedies of the year. Oh, Mary! promises an evening of unparalleled absurdity and a historical lesson like no other.
