Tukes Cafe, in Brighowgate, Grimsby, is to be the venue for a one man show about the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Mr Lincoln, a play by Herbert Mitgang presented by Uncommon Voice, will be performed on Friday, August 19 at 7pm.

The show is a biographical monologue about the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, performed by local actor Colin John Carr.

Mitgang spent a quarter of a century studying Lincoln. He wanted to create in this one man show a Lincoln who was historically accurate, but also one who was all too human.

The play depicts Lincoln’s life story, from his humble beginnings and shows how, with an ambitious nature and a little bit of luck, he became one of the greatest American presidents serving from March 1861 until his assassination in 1865. This year sees the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s inauguration as President as well as the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the American Civil War.

The play contains a great deal of humour and looks at Lincoln’s personal life as well as the big issues such as slavery and the Civil War. It also includes some of his most famous speeches.

Mr Carr said: “I have been doing this production on and off since I first performed Mr Lincoln about 13 years ago. I have had a great deal of support from Kevin Bond (chief executive of NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC) who like me wants to bring drama to a wider audience. Tukes have also been very supportive.

“I think the story is very relevant to the contemporary political situation and a lot of Lincoln’s philosophies can be applied to the modern world as he continues to be a relevant figure.

“This is my third performance at Tukes following two successful shows last year. The play fits well with the Tukes ethos as it is widely accepted that Lincoln suffered from depression throughout his life, which he called melancholia.

“Lincoln also came from a Quaker background, just like William Tuke who Tukes is named after.”

Tukes (part of NAViGO CIC) offers people with mental health problems the opportunity to get back in to work and learn new skills by providing training and work placements. 

Tickets for the performance cost £5 (which includes a buffet). They can be purchased from Tukes conference facility, Brighowgate or The Caxton ticket office at Grimsby Central Library.