Mrs President

Mrs President photos

Mrs President description

Abraham Lincoln's wife, the First Lady during his time as US president, had quite a life. Mrs President is a brand new play exploring the woman behind the title, her times, and her struggle to be seen, heard and recognised in a hostile world.

A deep-dive into the life of a controversial First Lady

Abraham Lincoln led the USA from 1861 until he was assassinated during 1865 in his wife Mary's presence. Mary was well a educated woman from a wealthy Kentucky family of slave owners. During her years as First lady at the White House she faced a variety of tough personal difficulties thanks to America's political divisions and tragedy within her own family.

This evocative new London production showcases Mary's politically-charged life as the most misunderstood First Lady in America, a woman at war with herself, her own grief, her husband's political rivals, the jealous elite and those who accuse her of treason. As she tries to rebuild her public image with the help of celebrity photographer Matthew Brady, her plans soon unravel. Expect a clever, highly entertaining exploration of power, identity, female agency and the dangers of letting someone else represent you.

Who stars in the play?

Mrs President stars Miriam Grace Edwards (One of the Boys, Romeo & Juliet) as Mary Lincoln, and Sam Jenkins-Shaw (The King and I, Twelfth Night) as Mathew Brady.

Written by John Ransom Phillips and Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the Set and Costume Design is by Gregor Donnelly and the Lighting Design by Derek Anderson. The Sound Design comes from Sonum Batra and the Video Design by Matt Powell. The Production Manager is Dan Weager and the General Management is handled by Katy Lipson and Kristie Winsen for ARIA Entertainment.

Playing at Charing Cross Theatre

The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NL GB (venue info)

Directions

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