Go Inside Rehearsals for Mrs. President, Starring Keala Settle

Rehearsals are underway for the forthcoming reimagining of John Ransom Phillips' Mrs. President, which will begin performances at the Charing Cross Theatre January 23 starring Tony nominee Keala Settle as Mary Todd Lincoln.

Described as a "gripping psychological drama that uncovers the turbulent inner world and the passions and ambitions of Mary Lincoln, America’s First Lady," performances are scheduled at the London venue through March 8 with an official opening January 27.

Joining Settle (The Greatest Showman, Waitress, Sister Act, Hands on a Hardbody) will be Hal Fowler (Les Miserables, Aspects of Love) as Mathew Brady, one of the earliest portrait photographers in American history. Bronagh Lagan directs.

Go inside rehearsals for the upcoming production in the gallery below.

Photos: Mrs. President in Rehearsal

Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Keala Settle HR — Photos: Mrs. President in Rehearsal

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Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Hal Fowler and Keala Settle HR — Hal Fowler and Keala Settle

Pamela Raith

Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Hal Fowler HR — Hal Fowler

Pamela Raith

Next Slide

Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Keala Settle, Hal Fowler, and Bronagh Lagan HR — Keala Settle, Hal Fowler, and Bronagh Lagan

Pamela Raith

Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Bronagh Lagan HR — Bronagh Lagan

Pamela Raith

Mrs. President London Rehearsal Photos 2026 Hal Fowler and Sam Rayner HR — Hal Fowler and Sam Rayner

Pamela Raith

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In an earlier statement Settle said, “I was so struck by Mary’s story and by the profound human cost she endured. She was a woman whose identity for centuries was put in a box and whose legacy continues to be defined by other people’s ideologies. I’m excited by this opportunity to tell her story and connect with London audiences. I hope they will see both myself and Mary in a brand-new light.”

Lagan, who has re-envisioned the play following its January staging in London, added, “In today’s polarized political climate, Mary Lincoln’s journey—navigating intense public scrutiny while balancing her roles as wife, mother, and political figure—feels profoundly resonant. Through her strength and vulnerability, Mrs. President invites us to reconsider how society and media portray women, revealing the human cost of leadership and the resilience required to endure it."

The production will also have set and costume design by Anna Kelsey, video design by Matt Powell, sound design by Eammon O’Dwyer, lighting design by Derek Andersen, and movement direction and associate direction by Sam Rayner.

Dan Weager is the production manager with casting by Jane Deitch. The general managers are Katy Lipson and Kristie Winsen for Aria Entertainment.

Mary Todd Lincoln is also the subject of the award-winning Cole Escola comedy Oh, Mary!, which recently opened in London at the Trafalgar Theatre. Read the reviews by clicking here.

For ticket information for Mrs. President, click here.