Jinkx Monsoon to make West End debut in Oh, Mary! at the Trafalgar Theatre

The award-winning performer will reprise her acclaimed Broadway turn as Mary Todd Lincoln for six weeks in London

Jinkx Monsoon is heading to the West End. The drag star and award-winning stage performer will reprising her celebrated role as Mary Todd Lincoln in the Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy Oh, Mary! at Trafalgar Theatre. Monsoon will join the production for a strictly limited six-week run from 17 August to 26 September 2026, succeeding creator Cole Escola in the titular role.

Written by and originally starring Cole Escola, Oh, Mary! reimagines First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln as a bored, frustrated alcoholic, desperate to escape the shadow of her husband’s political career and pursue a career in cabaret. Set in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the show is proudly free of historical accuracy, presenting a farcical version of the famous couple. You can read our review here.

Since opening in New York, Escola’s comedy has earned widespread critical acclaim, including two Tony Award wins and an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. The West End version recently extended its booking period through to 2 January 2027 due to popular demand.

The role of Mary Todd Lincoln is currently being played by Catherine Tate, who took over from original West End lead Mason Alexander Park. Tate will play Mary until 18 July, whereupon original Broadway star and show creator Cole Escola will step back into Mary’s shoes, making their West End debut. Escola will play Mary from 20 July to 15 August before handing over to Jinkx Monsoon.

Monsoon first played Mary Todd Lincoln during a sold-out eight-week Broadway engagement, before returning for an encore run due to popular demand. Shooting to fame as the first contestant to win RuPaul’s Drag Race twice, Monsoon has built an impressive career on the stage, with recent highlights including a record-breaking run as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in Chicago, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and Ruth in Pirates! The Penzance Musical. London audiences can currently see her portraying Judy Garland in Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Her upcoming run at the Trafalgar Theatre will mark her West End debut.