History, Heartbreak and a Standing Ovation: Mrs President at Charing Cross Theatre
As someone who has spent years studying the complexities of nineteenth century America, and who still gets goosebumps every time “This Is Me” comes on, this felt like the perfect meeting point between my academic passions and my love of powerhouse performers.
And this is not just any role.
Keala Settle, the musical theatre icon known for The Greatest Showman, Waitress, and Sister Act, is taking on the role of Mary Lincoln in a rare dramatic performance in a non musical theatre production. That alone makes Mrs. President a must see.
This brand new re imagining of the play, written by multidisciplinary artist John Ransom Phillips with new dramaturgy by Olivier nominated director Bronagh Lagan, the creative force behind Cruise and What’s On Stage winner Flowers for Mrs Harris, explores the motivations behind one of the most vilified women in United States history. Following its January 2025 staging, this is not a simple remount but a full reinvention, richer, sharper, and more psychologically haunting. The production opened at Charing Cross Theatre on 23 January 2026 for a six week run until 8 March 2026.
Set in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, the play dives deep into Mary Lincoln’s turbulent inner world. Grieving, battling mental health struggles, and relentlessly scrutinised by the press and public, Mary seeks out pioneering photojournalist Mathew Brady, played by West End star Hal Fowler of Les Misérables, Aspects of Love, and Flowers for Mrs Harris, in an attempt to reshape her public image.
What unfolds is a gripping psychological drama about legacy, identity, ambition, and survival under the harsh glare of history. Rather than presenting Mary as the caricature so often repeated in textbooks and popular culture, Mrs. President reframes her as a brilliant, wounded, and resilient woman navigating impossible circumstances in a deeply polarised America, a theme that feels strikingly relevant today.
Tickets start from £17.50. Book now to avoid disappointment at Charing Cross Theatre or call the box office on 08444 930 650.
With design by Anna Kelsey, lighting by Derek Anderson, and sound by Eamonn O’Dwyer, and produced by Art Pond Foundation with general management by Aria Entertainment, this production promises to be both intimate and powerful. For history lovers and theatre fans alike, it is a rare opportunity to see a familiar figure re-examined and to watch Keala Settle reveal an entirely new dimension of her extraordinary talent.
What I loved about it:
There is a razor sharp balance between humour and darkness. Just when the tension becomes almost unbearable, a flicker of wit cuts through, keeping you alert, emotionally invested and slightly off balance. It is intimate theatre at its best; the closeness of the venue means you can feel every breath, every tremor and every shift in power.
Keala Settle is magnetic. Stripped of soaring musical numbers, she reveals an entirely different strength, restrained, layered and quietly devastating. Hal Fowler is equally compelling, delivering a masterclass in versatility. He moves seamlessly through emotional registers, bringing subtle nuance and depth to the psychological tension at the heart of the story.
While the subject matter is undeniably heavy and steeped in grief, it felt powerful simply to be in the room. The weight of history, reputation and personal tragedy hangs thick in the air, and that is precisely what gives the production its impact. This is not light entertainment; it is a meditation on legacy and on who gets to shape the story that survives us. Sitting there, watching Mary Lincoln fight to reclaim her narrative, felt important.
The staging and lighting were extraordinary. The use of light and shadow conveyed so much of the emotional landscape, from the tormenting birds to the haunting presence of her lost son and Lincoln. At times the imagery was genuinely arresting, particularly the striking moment when she appeared with a noose around her neck, which drew an audible intake of breath from the audience. The stage seemed to echo the perspective of early box cameras, with depth, focus and insularity that made everything feel enclosed and intensely personal. With just two actors on stage, there were no distractions and no filler characters to dilute the focus. The intimacy heightened every exchange and made the grief feel almost tangible.
Beyond the visual impact, I loved how the play explored identity and narrative. It asked powerful questions about who gets to define a woman, particularly one married to a figure of such towering historical significance. The struggle to separate self from role, wife, mother and First Lady felt deeply resonant. The idea of women reclaiming their own stories rather than being shaped by other voices felt particularly timely. It explored how we present different faces to the world when coping with loss and whether we choose to be seen as victims or as strong and resilient. Heavy though it was, it felt important and strikingly relevant.
Suitable for:
History lovers. Theatre aficionados. Fans of powerful female-led performances. Anyone fascinated by reputation, legacy and the fragile line between public image and private grief. Probably best suited to adults and older teens given its psychological intensity.
Value for money (out of 10) – 10
For London, tickets are remarkably reasonable. Band A seats are £54.50, and in such a charming, intimate theatre, being that close to the action feels incredibly special.
Book now:
Ending on 8 March 2026, Mrs President is at Charing Cross Theatre, London WC2N 6NL. Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Running time is 90 minutes. Tickets start from £17.50. Book now to avoid disappointment at https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/mrs-president-2026 or call the box office on 08444 930 650.
Photo credits – with permission Pamela Raith Photography
