[THEATRE REVIEW] PRIMA FACIE @ Comedy Theatre/Roslyn Packer Theatre
Tessa Ensler (Sheridan Harbridge) is a successful criminal defence barrister.
She knows the tricks of the trade and defends her clients – many alleged sexual offenders – vehemently.
She relishes the game … circling witnesses until she is ready to pounce, having lulled them into a false sense of security.
She is good … very good. Those who know her, know how she operates and what is coming.
The witnesses are mere lambs to the slaughter.
Tessa chose law after she did particularly well in her final school exams.
She received a reality check when sitting with fellow legal wannabes for the first time and was told in no uncertain terms that many wouldn’t see it through.
But that was never going to be the case with Tessa.
Now, with 11 years’ experience, she is winning case after case.
Even when compassion for the victim might enter the equation, she justifies what she is doing and how she is doing it by saying that she is adhering to legal process.
And then one fateful, drunk night changes everything.
Suddenly, she becomes the victim and life, for her, will never be the same.
It takes 763 days for her case to be tried, but will she see justice?
Prima Facie*, written by former lawyer Suzie Miller, had its world premiere in 2019 at the 105-seat Griffin Theatre in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
It has since played to sold out seasons in the West End and on Broadway.
The reason it has been universally acclaimed is quickly clear.
Miller’s writing is descriptive, playful, distressing and insightful, while Sheridan Harbridge is a force of nature in 90 minutes of compelling theatre.
It is just her on stage wearing a neat pant suit (complete with alternate black and red jackets) with white blouse and black shoes.
A chair sits atop a raised box platform.
That is all save for a large, book-fold double screen behind her, onto which is projected the odd word here and there, referencing events past, present and later.
With that minimalist staging, lighting cues and some underlying music, Harbridge holds us in the palms of her hands.
As Tessa, she celebrates, she struts, she parties and she is flirtatious.
Driven, she is highly capable and displays strength.
Then, suddenly, she is blind-sided, shell-shocked, vulnerable, anxious and alone.
In a millisecond, Harbridge shifts the mood and does so with remarkable dexterity and artistic acumen.
Harbridge transforms into Tessa. We totally believe she is her.
The picture she paints is vivid and upsetting.
Behind it is the need for change – that message couldn’t be clearer.
In recent years, I have had the good fortune to see several bravura one-woman shows, each of which has left an indelible imprint.
I speak of Girls & Boys featuring Nikki Shiels, The Picture of Dorian Gray showcasing Eryn Jean Norvill and RBG: Of Many One spotlighting Heather Mitchell.
Prima Facie is unquestionably on that mighty impressive short list.
Harbridge is remarkable … stunning … brilliant.
Adroitly directed by Lee Lewis, Prima Facie needs to be seen … and acted upon.
It is playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne until 31st May, before moving to Roslyn Packer Theatre in Sydney from 3rd to 21st June, 2026.
* The title is drawn from a Latin term meaning “on the face of it”.
Review by Alex First Photography by Brett Boardman