Theatre

Catherine Tate suddenly pulls out of Oh, Mary! run as replacement confirmed

Jul 09
Written by Jack Wetherill

Catherine Tate in Oh, Mary! (Image: Getty Images)

Catherine Tate has stepped down from her West End run in Oh, Mary! for “personal reasons”, with the production confirming a quick replacement line-up to keep the show’s camp, queer-tinged momentum going.

In a production statement shared on the show’s official social media, it was confirmed that Tate, 56, will not complete her scheduled stint at London’s Trafalgar Theatre, where she had been due to play Mary Todd Lincoln until 18 July.

The statement said: “Due to personal reasons, Catherine Tate is no longer able to complete her run as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! at the Trafalgar Theatre.”

Instead, Mason Alexander Park will now cover the remainder of Tate’s performances through 18 July, as announced on Instagram. Cole Escola will then take over the role from 20 July.

Park originated the role in the West End production, while Escola wrote Oh, Mary! and starred in its original Broadway run.

Why Oh, Mary! has become such a buzzy ticket

Oh, Mary! debuted off-Broadway in 2024 and is described as a ribald, ahistorical comedy spoofing the life of former US First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

In a four-star review, Alice Saville wrote: “It’s easy to see why Oh Mary! has delighted Broadway audiences… one that mixes the farcical humour of am-dram classics like Charley’s Aunt with the disturbing queer energy of early John Waters films.”

What happens next for the lead role

The Broadway run saw Escola win a Tony award for Best Actor. Additionally, the production was nominated for Best Play. When it transferred to the West End, it won an Olivier award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

Tate’s casting as Mary Todd Lincoln was announced earlier this year. The production has also leaned into rotating, gender-expansive casting, with Jinkx Monsoon set to make her West End debut in the show after Escola’s stint.