Keala Settle takes on Mary Todd Lincoln
The 2026 London production of Mrs. President, currently running at the Charing Cross Theatre until March 8, stars Broadway powerhouse Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln opposite Hal Fowler as photographer Mathew Brady. From the outset, the production is anchored by formidable performances from both actors, who carry the emotional and psychological weight of the play with impressive control and physicality.
Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln and Hal Fowler as Mathew Brady
The set design is one of the show’s most striking elements. Though the action remains rooted in Brady’s photography studio, the space continually evolves as the play unfolds. Through inventive use of projection, sound, and visual symbolism—most memorably birds projected onto the walls accompanied by their calls—the production asks the audience to suspend disbelief and follow the characters into shifting emotional and psychological landscapes. Photographs taken by Brady are projected in real time, seamlessly integrating the act of photography into the storytelling. The result is a set that feels alive, layered, and conceptually thoughtful.
Hal Fowler as Mathew Brady
Direction is similarly precise and intentional. Subtle staging choices signal emotional turns before they arrive: the repositioning of Brady’s large camera, for instance, becomes a quiet omen, while the anticipation surrounding Mary Lincoln’s next photograph carries palpable tension. Both actors demonstrate a keen understanding of physical storytelling, using movement and gesture to express interior states. The blocking supports this beautifully, reinforcing character psychology without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln
Narratively, Mrs. President offers an intimate psychological portrait of a historical figure rather than a sweeping historical epic. While inevitable comparisons to Hamilton may arise, this play operates in a very different register. The first half is the stronger of the two, as the audience is drawn into the dynamic between Lincoln and Brady and begins to understand the rules of this world. The second half slows considerably, leaning heavily into extended moments of anguish—screaming and crying that, at times, feel excessive and emotionally exhausting rather than illuminating.
A notable plot device sees Brady briefly inhabiting other characters. This works more often than not, particularly if one accepts the play’s framing of Mary Lincoln as an unreliable—or fractured—narrator. Still, pacing issues persist in the latter half, and by the conclusion, the audience may feel ready for resolution.
Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln and Hal Fowler as Mathew Brady
At its core, Mrs. President is a psychological drama about grief, identity, and the struggle to reclaim one’s narrative in the aftermath of public tragedy. It will strongly appeal to those interested in Mary Todd Lincoln, explorations of loss, and the mechanics of theatrical storytelling. It is not light viewing, nor is it an escapist night at the theatre; this is not a Friday-night pick-me-up.
Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln and Hal Fowler as Mathew Brady
Despite its structural and pacing weaknesses, the play is thoughtfully written, and John Ransom Phillips’ work—both the script and the accompanying collection of paintings—demonstrates a compelling artistic vision. The production ultimately leaves the audience curious to learn more about Phillips as a writer and visual artist, which may be its quietest success.
Overall, Mrs. President is a worthwhile visit to the theatre, particularly for audiences who value strong performances, inventive design, and technically ambitious storytelling.
★★★.5 stars
Buy tickets here.
Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln
Gifted press tickets - Review by Olivia Peachy
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
