Stage Review of PRISM at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Robert Lindsay as Jack  Cardiff in PRISM - Photography by Manuel Harlan

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Sunlight is made of the colours of the spectrum. Certain atmospheric conditions will reveal the spectrum to the naked eye i.e. rainbows in the sky; on wet pavements underfoot. In artificial ways, a glass crystal hanging in a sunny window will reflect rainbow colours on walls.

The late, great cinematographer, Jack Cardiff (Robert Lindsay) used a glass prism to achieve different degrees of spectrum refraction according to wavelength, together with camera filters he was able to achieve the most beautiful lighting effects in his filming. Not just in his soft, opaquely dewy close-ups of famous faces, but, also, in challenging landscape settings where he captured the core nature of the surroundings so beautifully.

This play is not just about Norfolk born, Jack Cardiff’s work with light and technicolor. It is a Memory play. Cleverly, it is a muddled memory that tells it true. Cardiff’s past life at home and at work are told by an ailing Cardiff with dementia.

Son, Mason (Oliver Hembrough) has customised a garage space at his home designed to be memory triggers and comforts for his father – a man-cave of sorts. The deeply caring but under-qualified, Lucy (Victoria Blunt) is newly employed to help out. Cardiff’s wife, Nicola (Tara Fitzgerald) is tragically witnessing her love losing sight of her; but she remains fiercely protective. 

The play mentions Cardiff’s association with others in the film making business; famous directors and stars from the Golden Age of film. Terry Johnson’s wonderful script references the celebratory, and the not so celebratory culture, from being on the inside of the Hollywood bubble. 

A scene from the stage play PRISM at The Rep, Birmingham UK
Photography by Manuel Harlan

In the revealing of one man’s potent memories, Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn are brought to life; and in more ways than one. Additional effects by video designer, Ian William Galloway envelop the stage in magical film settings.

Cast of PRISM - Oliver Hembrough (Mason), Robert Lindsay (Jack Cardiff), Victoria Blunt (Lucy),
 and Tara Fitzgerald (Nicola) 
Photography be Manuel Harlan

Lindsay portrays Cardiff in a confused state, so respectfully; so tenderly. He manages to illuminate on a true-life story from a mind where nothing makes sense anymore. There is something very special in Lindsay’s masterful and elucidating performance.

Hembrough, Fitzgerald and Blunt wholly fulfil their role(s). The versatility of this trio is there to see. The empathic, Fitzgerald plays a woman where diminished hope has left her 'out in the cold'. This well-known actress was seen to be genuinely caught up in the atmosphere and clearly moved by the closing performance of her main man at the play’s end.

A play showing great ingenuity and divine sympathy.

**ENDS**

Review by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended the press night performance of 'PRISM' at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 08 October 2019 7.00 pm