Mrs President is an artistic and unconventional take on Mary Lincoln’s life, exploring her struggles with grief, reputation, and self-perception. Written by John Ransom Phillips and directed by Bronagh Lagan, the production leans into abstraction, sometimes at the expense of clarity.

The performances from Miriam Grace Edwards as Mary Lincoln and Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Mathew Brady are undoubtedly strong, with both actors demonstrating their range and depth. Jenkins-Shaw, in particular, showcases impressive versatility as he takes on various historical figures, shifting between them with clear physical and vocal distinctions. However, the purpose of these additional characters is unclear—many seem to reiterate similar political points without adding much to the overall narrative.

The non-linear storytelling proves challenging, with jumps in time that are not always obvious. Without clear set changes to signal these shifts, it is sometimes difficult to discern whether a scene is a dream, a memory, or reality. An unusual but intriguing aspect is the use of inanimate objects as narrators—at times, the stage is left empty except for a chair and a camera, which "speak" about what they have witnessed. This bold choice adds an unexpected theatricality, successfully setting up transitions between scenes.

It is a shame that the story is unclear and a bit convoluted as it has promise. A more independent look into Lincoln’s life and how she was perceived by the public would have been highly interesting and helped to explain the point of engaging the photographer and why she was so concerned with her image.

For those well-versed in American history, Mrs President offers an interesting perspective on Mary Lincoln’s life. However, for those less familiar, it can feel like a puzzle missing a few key pieces. The show is undoubtedly different—artistic, abstract and, at times, perplexing—but whether it fully delivers its message will depend on the audience's willingness to embrace its unconventional style.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Frances Tate

Mrs President plays at Charing Cross Theatre until 16 March, with tickets available here.