In an exclusive interview, the actress reveals the intense preparation required to go back on stage for Prima Facie, the reason this tour is a long-held dream, and why she’s not in the upcoming film adaptation
“I’ve had so many different life experiences [since she first played Tess]. I’m coming into the room feeling a little more confident, a little more knowing, which is making for more detailed and revelatory discoveries.” Comer is deliberately circumspect on the specifics of those life changes. “I think the magic as a performer is creating that sense of mystery that enables an audience to go the whole way with you. The more the audience doesn’t have an imprint of what you think, the better.”
It’s astounding how Comer fills the stage, as though inhabiting other characters, throwing herself from corner to corner, moving furniture around, a visual embodiment of the shifts in class and status. The performance is highly physical and emotional, the intensity sustained throughout the full 90 minutes, in what is surely the ultimate test for the most accomplished of actors….
Certainly, Comer is dedicated yet realistic: “This is how I can contribute to something that I feel passionate about. But ultimately, to change legislation or to prevent these kind of cases going unrecognised or unresolved – that power is ultimately out of our hands. There is more work to be done.”
Despite being so associated with the role of Tessa and Prima Facie, Comer will not star in the forthcoming film adaptation – Cynthia Erivo will be the lead. I ask whether that will be bittersweet. “The theatre feels true for my experience with Tessa,” she says, thoughtfully. “I met Cynthia very briefly, not too long ago, and she was in the middle of shooting. I can’t wait to see what she does with it – that is her story to tell. Prima Facie started before me. [The play premiered in Australia in 2019.] I wasn’t the first Tessa and many actresses around the world are exploring this story.