Oh, Mary! creator Cole Escola to star in the West End production

Writer and creator Cole Escola will step into the role of Mary Lincoln from 20 July

Cole Escola has been announced as the next actor to step into the role of Mary Lincoln in the West End production of Oh, Mary! Escola wrote and created the show, which made its Broadway debut at the Lyceum Theatre in July 2024 with Escola in the titular role. Now, two years later, Escola will reprise their role at London’s Trafalgar Theatre.

The role of Mary is currently being played by Catherine Tate, who took over from WhatsOnStage Award nominee Mason Alexander Park. Escola will assume the role from 20 July until 15 August 2026. Casting past that point has yet to be announced, but the production has extended its run until 2 January 2027.

The West End transfer of Oh, Mary! won Best Entertainment Or Comedy Play at the 2026 Laurence Olivier Awards and has been celebrated by critics. You can read our review here.

Escola’s riotous piece of historical fiction is rife with humorous inaccuracies, but what it lacks in fact it makes up for in wild entertainment. Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, the show currently stars Scott Karim, Dino Fetscher, Kate O’Donnell and Oliver Stockley alongside Tate.

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.