‘The hardest thing I’ve ever done’: Sophia Forrest, the star taking on all 26 roles in Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie

‘There’s so much rote learning. I’ve handwritten the entire play out now twice’ … Sophia Forrest, who is starring in Black Swan Theatre Company’s production of Prima Facie in Perth. Photograph: Brett Boardman

Sophia Forrest is sitting cross legged on a swivel chair at the Black Swan State Theatre Company in Perth. It’s week three of rehearsals for Prima Facie, Suzie Miller’s hit play, which returns to Australia from the West End and Broadway, and the 29-year-old actor is a bundle of nervous energy. Their piercing blue eyes flit across the room, words tumbling out at full speed.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Forrest says. “No question. I have never been more mentally stimulated, invigorated and challenged. I had a moment last week where I just collapsed on the floor and just sobbed and was like, I can’t do this.