TomTalks #25: National Theatre Live: Prima Facie (A Thought Provoking Insight Into the Sexism of Law)

 

It's been a while since I last uploaded to this blog, but I have returned with coverage of a special piece of media. 'Prima Facie' was originally released as a play in Australia in 2019 but was brought to the West End by writer Suzie Millar and BAFTA-winning director, Justin Martin this year.

In the leading and only role is Jodie Comer, an Emmy and BAFTA-winning actor for her role in 'Killing Eve,' making her debut on the West End. Behind the soundtrack is Self Esteem who recently was Mercury Prize nominated for her second album 'Prioritise Pleasure,' but we will talk more about the soundtrack in another review.

While I won't delve into spoilers, the story focuses on a female barrister and how a tragic event changes her life and perception of the law. It's a thought-provoking, powerful and emotional tale, that will lead to many deep discussions after the play and will provide some much-needed insight for those who don't understand the trials and tribulations of being a woman.

Tessa (Jodie Comer)

The first part of the play is very comedic, taking the piss out of court cases and the law, while also touching on Tessa's life. This part is done quite well to introduce the concepts of law and its faults, while also showing the carefree attitude of Comer's character. The jokes were quite humourous, but not everyone landed for me and a few felt a bit forced.

Following the dark turn in the second half is when Jodie Comer truly shines, bringing the emotion and power in her performance as she goes through the challenges of this event, whilst questioning her prior judgements of the law. Its ending is devastating but highlights the purpose of this play and the points it's making on society at large.

Jodie Comer is unbelievable here, to carry this one-person show, interact with the set and to keep on acting for two hours is an achievement in itself. You can see the energy and themes of the play take it's toll on her, leaving her breathless and exhausted at the end, just as her character has been from the satirical, happy-go-lucky person we saw at the beginning. If she doesn't receive an award for this, it would be a crime!

It goes without saying that the writing from Suzie Millar is pretty much perfect and part of the brilliance of Comer's performance is down to the direction of Justin Martin. The soundtrack was used in a good manner and at the right moments, and as you would expect with Self Esteem, it's solid stuff.

Bar the few moments where the humour didn't work at the start, this is brilliant and powerful stuff, and the second half of the play is some of the most emotional and amazing acting I have ever seen. This is a truly fantastic play that everyone needs to see, although I will warn that the themes may be too upsetting for some.

Prima Facie is still in Cinema's, get your tickets here.

9.5/10

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