BAFTA nominee Lolly Adefope, renowned for her comedic prowess in the BBC’s Ghosts, is set to embody the titular role in Cole Escola’s acclaimed dark comedy, Oh, Mary!, for its highly anticipated West End run at the Trafalgar Theatre. Adefope will step into the shoes of the infamous First Lady for a limited 10-week engagement, commencing September 28 and concluding December 5. This casting marks a significant moment for the production, which has already captivated audiences and critics alike, and is currently booking through January 2, 2027.
Adefope’s tenure follows a series of high-profile performers who have taken on the challenging and multifaceted role of Mary Todd Lincoln. The play’s journey to London’s prestigious theatre district is a testament to its critical and commercial success, having originated as a triumphant Broadway production and a sold-out Off-Broadway run. The decision to bring Oh, Mary! to the West End signifies the play’s broad appeal and its ability to resonate with international audiences.
A Comedic Depiction of a Tragic Figure
Oh, Mary! offers a darkly humorous and unconventional reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln in the tumultuous weeks leading up to the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. Cole Escola, who also penned the script, portrays Mary not as a stoic historical figure, but as a “madcap, cabaret-obsessed alcoholic,” as described in the production’s press notes. This audacious portrayal delves into the psychological complexities and personal struggles of a woman living under immense pressure, both political and personal. The play’s unique perspective, as noted by Escola, is “through the lens of an idiot,” suggesting a deliberate subversion of historical narratives to explore the absurdity and pathos of human experience.
The production’s creative team, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, has meticulously crafted an environment that complements Escola’s singular vision. Pinkleton, who is reprising his directorial duties from the Broadway staging, has brought together a seasoned group of designers. The scenic design is credited to dots, with costumes by Holly Pierson, lighting by Cha See, and sound design by Daniel Kluger and Drew Levy. The musical arrangements are by David Dabbon, and Leah J. Loukas oversees the wig design. This collaborative effort ensures a visually striking and immersive theatrical experience that amplifies the play’s comedic and dramatic undertones.
A History of Acclaim and Record-Breaking Success
The genesis of Oh, Mary! lies in its Off-Broadway debut at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2024, where it garnered such enthusiastic reception that its initial run was extended three times. This overwhelming success paved the way for its transfer to Broadway, opening at the Lyceum Theatre. On the Great White Way, the play not only achieved critical acclaim but also shattered box-office records, becoming the first production in the Lyceum’s 121-year history to gross over $1 million in a single week. This remarkable financial performance underscores the play’s widespread appeal and its ability to draw significant audiences.
The critical accolades for Oh, Mary! include two Tony Awards at the 2025 ceremony: Cole Escola received the award for Lead Actor in a Play for their transformative performance as Mary, and Sam Pinkleton was honored with the award for Best Direction of a Play. These awards solidify the production’s status as a significant theatrical achievement and highlight the exceptional talent involved. The Broadway production continues its successful run, demonstrating sustained audience engagement.
The West End Transfer and the Art of Recasting
The transfer of Oh, Mary! to the West End marks its official London premiere, building on the momentum of its American success. The production opened in London on December 18, 2025, with Sam Pinkleton once again at the directorial helm, ensuring a consistent artistic vision across both productions. The West End staging initially featured Cole Escola as Mary, alongside a cast that included Giles Terera as Mary’s Husband, Dino Fetscher as Mary’s Teacher, Kate O’Donnell as Mary’s Chaperone, and Oliver Stockley as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant.
The upcoming performances featuring Lolly Adefope represent the next chapter in the play’s evolving casting narrative. Prior to Adefope’s debut, Jinkx Monsoon, a celebrated drag artist and television personality, will briefly assume the role of Mary from August 17. Monsoon’s engagement is part of a carefully orchestrated recasting strategy, as discussed by director Sam Pinkleton in a previous interview, where he emphasized the importance of finding performers who can bring their unique interpretations to the character while maintaining the play’s core essence. Scott Karim is also set to rejoin the cast as Mary’s Husband during Monsoon’s run. Further casting details for Adefope’s limited engagement are expected to be announced in due course.
The decision to have a rotating cast of high-profile performers in the titular role is a deliberate artistic choice that highlights the character’s dramatic depth and comedic potential. It also serves to generate ongoing interest and buzz around the production, attracting diverse audiences to the theatre. This strategy has proven effective for other long-running shows, allowing for fresh perspectives and renewed critical attention.
Production Details and Creative Team
The West End production of Oh, Mary! is produced by a formidable team of industry veterans, including Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, Mike Lavoie, and Carlee Briglia. Wessex Grove serves as executive producers. The U.K. casting has been overseen by Stuart Burt CDG, a highly respected casting director in the British theatre scene.
The play’s narrative, while rooted in a significant historical period, transcends its setting to explore universal themes of grief, addiction, and the human capacity for both immense suffering and unbridled joy. Mary Todd Lincoln, as depicted in Escola’s script, becomes a vessel for exploring the psychological toll of public scrutiny and personal tragedy. Her descent into alcoholism and her obsessive behavior are presented not merely as character flaws but as responses to an unbearable reality. The play’s genius lies in its ability to find humor in the darkest of circumstances, offering a cathartic experience for the audience.
The success of Oh, Mary! on both sides of the Atlantic is indicative of a growing appetite for bold, unconventional theatrical narratives. The play challenges traditional dramatic structures and historical interpretations, offering a fresh and provocative take on a well-known figure. Cole Escola’s unique voice as a writer and performer has resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing their status as a significant new talent in contemporary theatre.
Implications and Future Outlook
The arrival of Lolly Adefope in Oh, Mary! for its West End run signifies a continued commitment to diverse and compelling casting. Adefope’s established comedic timing and dramatic range, honed through her work on Ghosts, suggest that she will bring a fresh and nuanced interpretation to the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. Her casting is likely to attract a broad audience, further bolstering the production’s commercial success and critical reception.
The ongoing success of Oh, Mary! also speaks to the resilience and adaptability of the theatre industry. The ability to navigate complex casting changes while maintaining artistic integrity and commercial viability is a testament to the production’s strong foundation and the talent of its creative team. The play’s journey from Off-Broadway to Broadway and now to the West End, with a series of acclaimed performers stepping into the lead role, serves as a compelling case study in theatrical production and marketing.
Furthermore, the critical and commercial triumph of Oh, Mary! may encourage further exploration of unconventional historical narratives and the use of dark humor to address sensitive topics. The play’s success demonstrates that audiences are receptive to bold artistic choices and are willing to engage with complex characters and challenging themes when presented with a compelling theatrical experience. The play’s continued presence on Broadway and its exciting West End debut with a new star at its helm suggest a bright future for this unique and impactful production.
The production’s commitment to capturing Escola’s original performance as a live stage film also indicates a forward-thinking approach to reaching wider audiences and preserving theatrical moments for posterity. This initiative, coupled with the play’s international touring and rotating casts, positions Oh, Mary! as a significant cultural event with lasting impact. The Trafalgar Theatre is set to become a focal point for this theatrical phenomenon, promising an unforgettable experience for London theatergoers.
For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased via the official production website, OhMaryPlay.co.uk. The current booking period extends through January 2, 2027, offering ample opportunity for audiences to witness this critically acclaimed production. The anticipation surrounding Lolly Adefope’s debut as Mary Todd Lincoln is palpable, promising another captivating chapter in the extraordinary story of Oh, Mary!.
