The first rehearsal images of Lolly Adefope as Mary Todd Lincoln have been released, twelve days before she takes over the title role in Oh, Mary! at the Trafalgar Theatre.
Manuel Harlan's rehearsal photographs, released this morning, are the first sight of Lolly Adefope at work on Oh, Mary!, ahead of her first performance at the Trafalgar Theatre on Monday 28 September 2026.
These are rehearsal-room pictures rather than anything arranged for the camera: a black crinoline pulled on over a T-shirt, a plywood set standing in for the White House, and the company laughing across a trestle desk. Adefope, who makes her West End debut in the part, carries most of the frames.
She takes the role from Jinkx Monsoon, whose company plays until Saturday 26 September and whose own first production images were released in August. A comedy that has spent its West End life breaking box office records is therefore changing hands without pausing for breath.
The rest of the incoming company was confirmed last week: Lucy Frederick as Mary's Chaperone, J.R. Ballantyne as Mary's Husband's Assistant, Vinnie Heaven as Mary's Teacher and Syrus Lowe as Mary's Husband. All four appear in the new pictures alongside Adefope, and the full cast announcement has the detail on each of them.
Cole Escola's 80-minute one-act, directed by Sam Pinkleton, won Best Entertainment or Comedy Play at this year's Olivier Awards. It runs at the Trafalgar Theatre and is booking until Saturday 2 January 2027; the Adefope season plays from Monday 28 September to Saturday 5 December 2026. Tickets for Oh, Mary! are on sale now.
