Keala Settle is Mrs President.
Mary Lincoln is a woman under siege — with her grief, her detractors, and herself. In the shadow of her late husband, President Abraham Lincoln, she battles a world eager to define her and a conscience that will not rest. Accused of treason and shunned by society, she turns to Matthew Brady, the world’s first celebrity photographer — played by Hal Fowler (Les Miserables, Aspects of Love, Flowers for Mrs Harris) — to help her reclaim her story. But as the lens turns between them, the power shifts, and their collaboration spirals into a fierce struggle for authorship, truth, and control.
Following its original staging in 2025, MRS PRESIDENT opens at the Charing Cross Theatre in a newly reimagined version — the result of deep dramaturgical development and a creative workshop period in New York that uncovered bold new layers within the piece.
This is not a remount, but a reinvention — richer in scope, sharper in focus, and more hauntingly human.
Re-envisioned under the direction of Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, Broken Wings) and written by artist, playwright, and historian John Ransom Phillips, the production features Broadway musical theatre star Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman, Waitress, Les Miserables) in a rare non-singing dramatic role that showcases her extraordinary depth and power.
Book your MRS. PRESIDENT theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre today!
Please note: this show contains depictions of, or references to, attempted suicide, racism, slavery, child loss, and mental illness, as well as gunshots and flashing lights.
Step into the life of Mary Lincoln, a First Lady battling grief, scandal, and the struggle to reclaim her public image. Turning to celebrity photographer Mathew Brady for help, their partnership unravels into a tense and politically charged struggle for control.
Tickets not currently available.
1 hour 25 minutes, no interval
Keale Settle (Mary Lincoln), Hal Fowler (Matthew Brady).
Bronagh Lagan (Director), John Ransom Phillips (Playwright).
Age recommendation: 12+
Access Information:
The theatre and bar have unimpeded access from the Strand or Embankment into the foyer of the venue. From here there is level access to Balcony One for the Theatre, box office, disabled toilet facilities, the bars and restaurant. The main stalls level is 16 steps down from the main entrance, with handrails on either side. The toilets for the main stalls are a further 8 steps down from the doors to the Theatre. Seating within the theatre is gently raked from row C onwards. Row K on the central aisle is on the same level as the doors to the theatre and has the most leg room of all rows.
Complimentary tickets are offered for carers attending a performance.
For access via Villiers Street, the box office will supply an access code upon request if called ahead of time.
Balcony One has removable seating for up to 4 wheelchairs. The area has an excellent view of the stage and level access from the foyer.
The venue welcomes assistance dogs.
Venue access line: 0207 925 8040
'History, feminism, drama. Can't be missed.'
