British actress Jodie Comer is set to return to the stage for a UK and Ireland tour of the critically acclaimed legal drama Prima Facie, marking a significant moment in her career. The 32-year-old star will reprise her role as Tessa, a young barrister who defends men accused of rape until she becomes a victim of assault herself. Comer described the opportunity as a “huge privilege,” and she expressed her excitement at bringing the powerful production to theatres across the country, including her hometown of Liverpool.
Speaking about her return to the one-person play, Comer said: “I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to get the team back together and take the production to theatres around the country, including my hometown of Liverpool. On a personal note, I can’t think of a better finale to what has been such an incredible and deeply rewarding chapter in my life.”
Prima Facie tackles complex and pressing issues surrounding sexual assault, consent, and the justice system. It examines how the legal process often fails to support survivors and raises questions about where the burden of proof truly lies. The play takes a close look at the power dynamics within the courtroom and the challenges faced by women who come forward with allegations of sexual violence.
The play was written by Suzie Miller, who won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2023 after Prima Facie made its highly successful debut in the West End. Miller has expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, emphasising the play’s impact and the importance of bringing it to wider audiences.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled about the Prima Facie 2026 tour,” said Miller. “This play has already achieved more than we all could have dreamed, and Jodie’s commitment to the story reaching so many new venues and communities means more people can be part of the conversation, and the solution.”
Comer’s performance in the one-woman show has been widely praised, and her dedication to bringing Tessa’s powerful story to life has earned her significant accolades. In 2022, she won the Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for her work in Prima Facie. Her portrayal of a barrister whose world is turned upside down after she experiences the very thing she has spent her career defending has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
The actress has received widespread acclaim for her ability to handle the emotional complexity of the role, which requires both strength and vulnerability. The production’s raw and unflinching portrayal of sexual assault within the legal system has sparked important discussions about the barriers to justice and the societal perceptions surrounding such cases. Comer’s return to the stage in Prima Facie is not just a professional milestone but also a personal commitment to telling a story that aims to empower survivors and challenge systemic issues.
Prima Facie has already made waves on the London stage, and the upcoming tour is expected to bring the production to even more communities across the UK and Ireland. The tour represents an opportunity for new audiences to engage with the timely themes presented in the play, allowing them to witness firsthand the impact of Comer’s unforgettable performance.
The production’s move to the stage has also been seen as a significant moment in Comer’s career, following her success in television and film. Known for her role as Villanelle in the hit BBC series Killing Eve, Comer has become one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation. Her shift from television to theatre has been lauded for its depth and versatility, and Prima Facie further cements her reputation as a highly skilled and committed actor.
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While the upcoming tour marks the “finale” of Comer’s involvement with the production, it is clear that Prima Facie will leave a lasting impact on her career. The actress has described her time with the play as an incredibly rewarding experience, and her decision to take it on tour represents a desire to bring the important themes of the production to a wider audience.
Comer’s commitment to portraying such a powerful and emotional story also highlights her dedication to using her platform to address important social issues. Prima Facie is not only a theatrical triumph but also an opportunity to spark important conversations about sexual assault, power, and the law.
The tour will bring Prima Facie to a range of venues across the UK and Ireland, including many cities that may not typically have access to productions of this calibre. The involvement of Comer in the play’s final run is expected to draw large audiences and create an even greater sense of awareness around the themes explored in the production.
As Jodie Comer returns to the stage for this highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour of Prima Facie, her performance will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression on the national conversation about sexual violence, consent, and the justice system.
