The much-hyped Broadway comedy sensation 'Oh, Mary!' has made its transatlantic journey, opening at London's Trafalgar Theatre in Whitehall. The production, which became a smash hit in New York, features a stellar cast led by Mason Alexander Park as Mary Todd Lincoln and Giles Terera as her husband, Abraham Lincoln. However, its translation to the British stage has left at least one critic questioning whether the fervent American acclaim was entirely lost in translation.
A Comedy Divide Across the Atlantic
There is no denying that the show provokes laughter. At a recent Wednesday matinee, the audience responded warmly to the lurid, cabaret-style antics. Yet, for some, the humour feels distinctly retro. The production channels a '70s-style comedy vibe, reminiscent of broad farces like Airplane! or the slapstick of Benny Hill. While this style retains fans in a nation still fond of classic Morecambe and Wise, the central jokes of 'Oh, Mary!' can feel thin and dated.
The premise rests largely on two ideas: that Mary Lincoln was a boozy, narcissistic and feral would-be performer, and that Abraham Lincoln was a cartoonishly repressed gay man. The latter gag, in particular, lands with a thud for some UK viewers. While the intent from queer artist Cole Escola is one of subversive co-option rather than mockery, the execution often feels repetitive and confusing, especially when paired with a satire of Mary that seems loosely based on historical temperament.
A Cast That Elevates the Material
Where the show truly shines is in its committed and talented cast. Mason Alexander Park is a marvel of physical comedy, commanding the stage with a chaotic energy that is impossible to ignore. Their performance is a masterclass in droll line delivery and spectacular physical business, from pouncing out of closets to hilariously failing to dismount a table.
Giles Terera likewise throws himself into the role of a frazzled Abe with admirable conviction, setting aside his usual nuanced character work for full-throttle farce. The supporting cast matches this energy, and there are genuine highlights, including a running joke about Mary's obliviousness to the Civil War and the gloriously random use of Belle and Sebastian's 1996 song 'Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying'.
Verdict: Hype Versus Reality
Ultimately, 'Oh, Mary!' exists in a curious space where subversive New York cabaret meets naff '70s British comedy. It clearly has an audience, and the performers' efforts are commendable. However, for those arriving with expectations inflated by rapturous American reviews claiming life-changing hilarity, the experience may feel underwhelming. It is a broad, old-fashioned farce salvaged by a tremendous cast, but one that struggles to define its satirical target for a British audience with less ingrained opinions on the Lincolns.
The production is now running at the Trafalgar Theatre. Performances began on 19 December 2025 and are scheduled to continue until 25 April 2026. The show has a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £15 to £150. The nearest transport links are Charing Cross rail and Tube stations.
