What. A. Show.
Until October 12th you can catch Prism at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
An amazing play based on legendary Jack Cardiff, a cinematographer who captured on film, some of Hollywood’s greatest divas including Marilyn Monroe, Catharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn to name just a few.
Through the play we hear of the highs of Jacks life including filming in the Congo, through to his diagnosis and life with dementia. This is a hard hitting and gripping performance that sends you home really feeling for people with dementia and also for family members of those with dementia.
The performances by the cast were phenomenal with Robert Lindsay as Jack Cardiff evoking various emotions in the audience. One minute you could be laughing, the next feeling as if you may shed a tear. A beautiful portrayal of Jack Cardiff and I particularly liked Robert Lindsays acknowledgement of the real Jack Cardiff during the standing aviation that they received.
Tara Fitzgerald played Nicola, Jacks Wife and Katharine Hepburn really well. Her presence on stage, captivating.
Victoria Blunt who I have not seen in a production on stage or television before, was fantastic. Her role as Lucy , Jacks ‘carer’ was emotional and her portrayal as Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall were well played out. I hope this production encourages more people to work with Victoria as I can only see her going from strength to strength.
Oliver Hembrough, although an excellent actor, played a character I didn’t like, Mason, Jacks son, who although obviously loves his father deeply, has a (not so) hidden agenda as to why he is looking after him and paying for a carer.
The lighting, stage design, music and art work was all perfect for this performance.
It is rare that I could watch a performance again (I am the same with films and books, once is often enough), but Prism, I would come back and see you again in a heartbeat. You really gripped me.
Thank you Terry Johnson, Birmingham Rep and all of the cast and creatives.
Photo credits: Manuel Harlan
For more information on Prism and how to book tickets, please visit the link here: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press screening. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.