Find out how critics have been reacting to John Ransom Phillips’ historical drama about Mary Todd Lincoln.
WhatsOnStage: ** “The trouble is, this is a story of a woman about whom we clearly know very little, except that she suffered much loss. And, despite working on this script for a decade, Ransom Phillips fails to surmise any kind of personality.”
Everything Theatre: *** “An interesting two-handed play with strong performances from Edwards and Jenkins-Shaw, but in the end somewhat confusing and unsatisfying.”
The Guardian: ** “Miriam Grace Edwards brings great emotional range to the first lady, whose many tragedies – losing two infant sons, witnessing her husband’s murder – render her a sympathetic figure. Scenes follow each other in phantasmagorical fashion, with a game Sam Jenkins-Shaw metamorphosing between Brady and his photographic subjects, from naturalist John James Audubon to revolutionary martyr John Brown.”
All That Dazzles: ** “Credit, however, has to be given to the performances of Edwards and Jenkins-Shaw. Miriam Grace Edwards’ performance elevates the play substantially. Her palpable grief is almost uncomfortable to watch, which is a testament to the strength of her performance. Her Mary Lincoln is vulnerable and raw, but also determined and headstrong, commanding respect; it is within this complexity of character that Edward truly shines. Sam Jenkins-Shaw delivers a similarly accomplished performance as the cold and detached Brady, apparently consumed by his art. He morphs into Brady’s subjects well, distinguishing himself as each character, even if the existence of these scenes feels confusing and detracts from Mary’s story.”
The Arts Desk: * “Miriam Grace Edwards, in a variety of impressive dresses, is the more compelling character, as Mary reveals both her story and the damage done to her as a consequence. The problem is that she is given so little to work with. She tells us of the events, of her misery and ill-treatment – like many disruptive women, medical incarceration was a continual threat – but there’s nothing in a very wordy script that captures the soul of the woman. There’s a vague sense of the spiritual, even the religious, that topples towards the occult in her reflections, but nothing coalesces into a coherent portrait. The play isn’t sufficiently theatrical to bear the weight of the task it sets itself.”
Fairy Powered Productions: *** “John Ransom-Phillips’ passionately well-meaning mission to tell the full and fair story of Mary Lincoln’s life has some interesting ideas and themes.”
A Young (ish) Perspective: *** “Fundamentally, Mrs. President feels like a show of lost potential. An interesting narrative structure, great acting and strong behind-the-scenes work promise an engaging show.”
London Theatre 1: *** “The introspective nature of the narrative doesn’t allow for any consideration of how American society at large perceived Mary Lincoln, positively or otherwise. The special effects in the show are good. I would elaborate on that point but doing so would be giving too much away, so what I’ve deemed ‘good’ will have to be good enough. The costumes (Gregor Donnelly) are suitable for the period, as far as I could tell, although I am open to correction, not knowing the intricacies of 1860s American high society fashion.”
The Reviews Hub: ** 1/2 “Director Bronagh Lagan elicits two substantial performances that largely offset such missteps. The set and lighting design, along with some evocative use of video projection, help to amplify the production’s more salient moments.”
Broadway World: **** “the piece is as strong as it was in Edinburgh. It’s gained a more refined look and remains an accomplished dip into the mind of one of history’s most controversial wives.”
The Stage: *** “Bravely eccentric two-hander about Mary Todd Lincoln, Civil War-era first lady of the United States.”
West End Best Friend: *** “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.”
Adventures in Theatreland: **** “A moving and challenging piece which poses important questions on identity and how much power we have to shape our own image, Mrs President is an interesting watch from a historical perspective but also handles themes which remain relevant in the present day.”
Theatre Weekly: *** “Through John Ransom Phillips’ script and a design team that melds period authenticity with modern theatricality, this production positions Mary not as a footnote to her husband’s presidency but as a woman clawing agency from the jaws of history’s judgment.”
North West End.com: ***** “Mrs President is a searing analysis of the inner conflict between the image we wish to create for ourselves versus the image others create for us. It offers a brutal and exposing portrait of loss and grief that captures one of America’s most notorious political figures in a whole new light.”
Mrs President continues to play at the Charing Cross theatre until the 16th March. To book tickets click here.