Duration
1 hr 25 mins
Closing Date
Until March 8, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
Why Watch Mrs. President?
- Mrs. President is a sharp new drama revealing Mary Lincoln’s fight for dignity after the Civil War, mixing political tension with an intimate portrait of a woman history misjudged.
- The cast is led by Keala Settle, known for Waitress and Hands on a Hardbody, and celebrated for singing This Is Me in The Greatest Showman (Golden Globe winner).
- Director Bronagh Lagan brings a refined, character-driven approach shaped by his previous work on Flowers for Mrs Harris and Olivier-nominated Cruise.
- Playing for a limited run at Charing Cross Theatre, this intimate staging is “politically sharp and gripping” (BroadwayWorld). Book your Mrs. President London tickets!
Mrs. President at Charing Cross Theatre reintroduces Mary Lincoln at the height of public suspicion, grief, and political isolation. Set in the years following Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, it follows her tense collaboration with photographer Matthew Brady as she attempts to repair a damaged public image. The play examines legacy, reputation, and the pressure placed on women to survive public outrage. With Keala Settle leading the cast and direction from Bronagh Lagan, the play offers a clear, unsentimental look at how a nation and its icons shape each other.
Storyline
Set in post-Civil War America, Mrs. President follows Mary Lincoln as she tries to reclaim control of a public narrative turning against her. Working with photographer Matthew Brady, she battles political rumour, grief, and a press eager to define her. The play explores loyalty, image-making, and the emotional cost of being a national symbol. As power shifts around her, Mary must decide what truth she wants preserved. Whether the nation is ready to hear it remains uncertain.
Show timings
Show timings for Mrs. President may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Keala Settle as Mary Lincoln and Hal Fowler as Matthew Brady
Director: Bronagh Lagan
Playwright: John Ransom-Phillips
Set & costume design: Anna Kelsey
Lighting: Derek Anderson
Sound: Eamonn O'Dwyer
Age Suitability
The play is suitable for ages 12 years and above.
Content warning: This show contains depictions of, or references to, attempted suicide, racism, slavery, child loss, and mental illness, as well as gunshots and flashing lights.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.
Charing Cross Theatre
The Charing Cross Theatre is a theatre located below Charing Cross station, beneath The Arches, off Villiers Street. The venue, which opened in 1936, had previously inhabited many locations in London's West End before settling on its current location. It is one of the smallest West End theatres, having been refurbished to fulfill the demands of national and international producers looking for a theatre with a sense of warmth and the feel of an Off-Broadway setting. Charing Cross Theatre Seating Plan Seating Capacity: 276
Getting There
- Address: The Arches, Villiers St, London WC2N 6NL, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube stations are Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, and District lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).
- By train:
Charing Cross Theatre is conveniently located beneath Charing Cross railway station.
- By bus:
Get off at Charing Cross Station (Stop H), serviced by bus routes 9, 139, 176, N9, N15, N343, N550, or N551.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Free parking, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Mrs President voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £18.75 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 12 years and above. It contains depictions of, or references to, attempted suicide, racism, slavery, child loss, and mental illness, as well as gunshots and flashing lights.
The show is playing at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.
It explores Mary Lincoln’s struggle to control her public image after years of scrutiny and grief, focusing on her partnership with photographer Matthew Brady.
The running time of the play is 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.
Yes. The play references the political climate after his assassination and how Mary Lincoln’s public image shifted in response.
Legacy, grief, power, public perception, and how women in history are framed by male-dominated narratives.
No. This is an original stage work, though it draws on the same documented history depicted in films and biographies.
He shaped public political imagery in 19th-century America and photographed Abraham Lincoln extensively, making him central to Mary Lincoln’s public legacy.
