Prendergast is such a charismatic actor that there are moments when you see him hunch the shoulders a little more, bow the head, work at hiding the charisma; in Act 2 he is simply superb, generously sublimating his power as an actor and handing the stage to Dion Mills (always powerful in his own right) in a cameo role and to guest actor Kevin Hofbauer. Four stunning performances beautifully directed in a superb play.
Nadia Tass directs a splendid cast with a glowing, understated brilliance that has no false steps. Sam is a great portrait of a man with a heart and mind as good as the next one. The Flick shows why the theatre is its own magic lantern, and it shows how it can take on everything the cinema creates and come off triumphant.
There is an understated rivalry between Sam and Avery from the beginning and Prendergast excels as the bluff, older man who longs to assert his authority and make something of his life.
All three actors generate a riveting and precise ensemble performance which resists easy comedy to create a deep and satisfying humour – one strongly rooted in character – as dappled with darkness and betrayal as it is streaked with hilarity and moments of profound recognition.