Oh, Mary!
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Trafalgar Theatre, London
Cast: Mason Alexander Park, Kate O’Donnell, Oliver Stockley, Dino Fetscher and Giles Terera

Oh, Mary! is an uproariously dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

2025 really waited until the very last minute to release its best bits! 

The Broadway sensation Cole Escola has brought their uproarious comedy play ‘Oh Mary!' to London this December - and what a fantastic Christmas present it is too!

A cast of five phenomenally talented actors take to the stage for nearly ninety minutes and it goes by in an absolute flash. Giles Terera was, of course, fantastic, and captured classic characteristics of Mary's Husband, if we imagine him as a closeted gay man with a short temper for his wife…really use your imagination. 

The standout, however, was naturally the face of the play. Mason Alexander Park just is Mary, there is no line between the two. Be it conversations with her chaperone, steamy scenes with the drama teacher, or acting drunk on the street just to swindle information out of an unsuspecting man (ooh, versatile) Mary Todd surprises and delights at every twist and turn.

With old-movie style blackouts after each scene, and the atmosphere of a 1970’s New York cabaret in the auditorium, the creative team have really translated this story into the modern age without stepping a toe out of its birthplace. Sam Pinkleton’s direction has respected this too, allowing us a little (hilarious) predictability while completely smacking us in the face with upfront stupidity in every possible gap.

While my ribs weren't splitting at every punchline, the giggles were constant and references witty. These aren't your typical pop culture digs, which you may find easier to understand at a certain age or demographic, but more incredibly simple and intelligently thought-out gags. Regardless of your personal humour, there will be moments of hilarity in this show for everyone. 

Personally, I would have loved to see Mason Alexander Park on stage for an entire second act - but alas we were swiftly dismissed at 9pm. Let's do the second half of their story next year (please)? 

You can book tickets to see Oh, Mary!, here.

Review by Katie

**photo credit: Manuel Harlan**