Bette And Joan

by Anton Burge

Bette & Joan depicts the two stars, in adjacent dressing rooms, between takes on the set of Baby Jane. While Joan manages her anxiety by lacing her Pepsi with vodka and signing photographs for her beloved fans, Bette chain smokes and muses on her love life and her ability to pick a decent script, but never a decent man. Behind the bitching and the practical jokes we see each woman's insecurities and  regrets. Their rivalry is revealed to be underpinned by grudging respect as they attempt to identify their new roles in life as well as in their careers. A  play with acerbic wit and  two very complex characters.