It was Catherine Tate’s name on the poster that first piqued my interest in Oh, Mary!, so it was disappointing to learn, at very short notice, that she was unable to perform. Stepping into the role, Georgie Lagden had big shoes to fill but gave an energetic and committed performance.
Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! is written by and originally starred Cole Escola. It plays like a fever-dream soap opera, reimagining the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the days leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The action unfolds in a succession of brisk scenes, each punctuated by a blackout before the next outrageous chapter begins. Historical accuracy is gleefully abandoned in favour of absurdity and shameless revisionism.
The comedy is broad and unapologetically silly and, judging by the audience around me, it was a huge hit. I didn’t find it quite as laugh-out-loud funny as everyone else seemed to; it’s a very particular brand of humour that won’t be for everyone. That said, it certainly raised a few smiles, and I could appreciate its relentless commitment to the bit.
Mary herself is portrayed as melodramatic, petulant and permanently pouting, a deliciously over-the-top caricature that drives the chaos. The standout moment comes with the cabaret-style medley that closes the show. It’s a fabulous finale, and Georgie’s performance was so strong that I’d love to see her in more musical theatre roles.
Georgie is supported by an equally game ensemble. Scott Karim, Dino Fetscher, Kate O’Donnell and Oliver Stockley match the show’s anarchic energy throughout, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into its heightened melodrama and ensuring the pace never lets up.
Even if its humour wasn’t entirely to my taste, I couldn’t help but admire the confidence and originality of the production. Its unapologetic absurdity, fearless performances and delightfully unhinged finale make it a memorable evening of theatre.
***
Katie Reviews 