Cole Escola to star in West End Oh, Mary!

Show creator Cole Escola will star in Oh, Mary! in the West End.

Catherine Tate is currently taking on the lead role in Tony Award-winning Escola’s smash hit Broadway comedy. She follows WhatsOnStage Award nominee Mason Alexander Park, who first led the cast as Mary Todd Lincoln.

After that, Escola will play the role from 20 July until 15 August 2026, with priority booking for these dates and general on-sale from Friday this week.  

A historically dubious wartime comedy, the piece revolves around bored alcoholic housewife Mary Todd Lincoln, who pines for the cabaret stage but is constantly undermined by her closeted, homosexual husband, who also just happens to be the President of the United States.

Escola’s riotous crowd-pleaser, hailed as “80 minutes of perfectly judged silliness” by WhatsOnStage’s Sarah Crompton in her glowing review, picked up an Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment.

Tate performs alongside Scott Karim, who plays Mary’s Husband. The West End premiere cast also currently features Dino Fetscher as Mary’s Teacher, Kate O’Donnell as Mary’s Chaperone, and Oliver Stockley as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant.

Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! first opened to great acclaim on Broadway in 2024.

The creative team includes scenic designer dots, costume designer Holly Pierson, lighting designer Cha See, sound designer and composer Daniel Kluger, sound designer Drew Levy, wig designer Leah J Loukas, props supervisor Addison Heeren, and arranger David Dabbon. Casting is by Stuart Burt.

Casting for the role of Mary Todd Lincoln from Monday 17 August onwards is to be announced.

The show has also extended its run into 2027.