Jodie Comer Reprises 'Prima Facie' for UK and Ireland Tour: A Masterclass for Aspiring Actors
Renowned actress Jodie Comer is set to embark on a UK and Ireland tour, reprising her Olivier and Tony Award-winning role in Suzie Miller's gripping one-woman play, Prima Facie. This tour offers audiences across the country an opportunity to experience a performance that has captivated both critics and theatergoers alike. For aspiring actors, especially those considering enrolling in acting classes in Glasgow, Comer's portrayal provides invaluable insights into character development, emotional depth, and the transformative power of theater.
The Essence of 'Prima Facie'
Prima Facie follows the journey of Tessa Ensler, a young barrister who has ascended from humble beginnings to become a formidable presence in the courtroom, defending men accused of sexual assault. Her world is irrevocably changed when she becomes a victim herself, prompting a profound personal and professional reckoning. The play delves into themes of justice, gender dynamics, and the complexities inherent in the legal system.
The beauty of Prima Facie lies in its ability to address these heavy issues with sensitivity and insight, allowing the audience to explore the intricacies of legal and personal power dynamics. Tessa's transformation from a powerful figure in the courtroom to someone grappling with her own trauma is a compelling portrayal of the human condition.
Jodie Comer's Tour Details
Comer's commitment to Prima Facie has been unwavering. After its successful West End debut in 2022, where she received the Olivier Award for Best Actress, the production moved to Broadway in 2023, earning her the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Play. The upcoming tour is slated to begin on January 23, 2026, at Richmond Theatre, with subsequent performances in Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, York, Bath, Canterbury, Birmingham, and culminating in her hometown of Liverpool.
Tour Schedule:
January 23-27, 2026: Richmond Theatre, London
January 27-31, 2026: Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
February 3-7, 2026: Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
February 10-14, 2026: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
February 17-21, 2026: York Theatre Royal
February 24-28, 2026: Bath Theatre Royal
March 3-7, 2026: Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
March 10-14, 2026: Birmingham Hippodrome
March 17-21, 2026: Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
Why Jodie Comer's Performance is So Powerful
Jodie Comer’s performance in Prima Facie is a masterclass in the depth of character portrayal. She takes on the role of Tessa Ensler, a character who navigates emotional and physical challenges with raw vulnerability and resilience. Comer’s ability to switch between Tessa's sharp legal mind and her deeply emotional personal journey has earned her critical acclaim.
Comer's commitment to her craft is evident in every moment of the play. She carries the weight of the entire production on her shoulders, skillfully using her voice, body, and emotions to bring Tessa’s story to life. For aspiring actors, watching a performance like this can offer invaluable lessons in stamina, emotional authenticity, and character complexity.
What Aspiring Actors Can Learn from Jodie Comer's Performance
Jodie Comer’s role in Prima Facie provides several important takeaways for aspiring actors:
1. Emotional Depth and Range
One of the most striking aspects of Comer’s performance is her ability to dive deep into a character’s emotional landscape. As an actor, it’s essential to explore and understand the complexities of your character’s emotions. Jodie Comer shows how actors can portray vulnerability while maintaining strength, creating an authentic and moving performance.
2. Character Transformation
Tessa Ensler’s journey in Prima Facie is a testament to the power of character transformation. From a confident and authoritative figure to someone who faces personal crisis, Tessa’s character arc requires careful thought and precision in performance. Aspiring actors can learn from this how to evolve and transform their character throughout a performance, reflecting the natural changes that occur when someone is pushed to their emotional limits.
3. Physical and Vocal Control
A one-woman play like Prima Facie demands that the actor maintain control of both their voice and body throughout the performance. Comer’s ability to hold the audience’s attention with nothing but her own physicality and vocal inflections is a skill that aspiring actors can learn to develop. Acting classes in Glasgow can help you train your voice and body, ensuring you have the stamina and versatility needed to handle demanding roles like Tessa’s.
4. The Importance of Storytelling
At its heart, Prima Facie is a story about justice, trauma, and healing. Comer’s ability to connect the audience with Tessa’s journey is a powerful reminder that acting is not just about memorizing lines—it's about telling a story. Aspiring actors must learn how to connect with the material and the audience to create a compelling narrative. By understanding your character’s motivations, you can deliver a performance that captivates and engages.
How Acting Classes in Glasgow Can Help You Prepare for Complex Roles
If you’re inspired by Jodie Comer’s incredible performance and want to take your acting skills to the next level, enrolling in acting classes in Glasgow is an essential step in your journey. At Southside Performance Studio, we offer acting classes that focus on building emotional depth, physicality, vocal technique, and character development—all of which are crucial skills for performing in demanding roles like Jodie Comer’s in Prima Facie.
Our classes provide an opportunity for you to work on various aspects of acting, from scene work and monologues to character study and emotional exploration. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to refine your technique, improve your performance, and prepare for a wide range of roles, whether in theater or film.
Conclusion: Jodie Comer’s Legacy in Theater and What It Means for Aspiring Actors
Jodie Comer’s role in Prima Facie has set a high standard for what it means to deliver a powerful, one-woman performance. Her commitment to her craft and her ability to dive deep into the complexities of her character make her a true inspiration for aspiring actors. Through her performance, Comer teaches us that acting is not just about showing up on stage—it’s about fully inhabiting a character, exploring their emotional depths, and telling a story that resonates with the audience.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your acting journey, explore our acting classes in Glasgow at Southside Performance Studio. With dedicated training, you’ll develop the skills needed to portray complex characters and create performances that leave a lasting impression, just like Jodie Comer’s in Prima Facie.