Audition Notice

Bette and JOan, by Anton Burge

Directed by Ann Atkins

Sunday 10th December 2023, 6pm

For more information and audition pieces, please contact Ann on bettyandharry30@gmail.com.

Production Dates

5th - 9th March 2024 at 7.45pm
9th March 2024 at 2.30pm

Rehearsals

7 - 21 Jan (2 weeks) and 4 Feb - 4 March (4 weeks). Rehearsal days to be decided. Also possible daytime rehearsals depending on cast availability.

About the Play

Once grande dames of Hollywood, by 1962 arch-rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were in danger of becoming has-beens. Then an opportunity came along; to appear together in a new movie called Whatever Happened to 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, never a decent man. Behind the bitching and the practical jokes we see each woman's insecurities and regrets, and 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.

The play is set in two dressing rooms in the studio set for the film. Each sharing with the audience, their feelings regarding their co-star and the real life sharing of past lovers! 

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the below parts could be played by any race.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Characters

BETTE DAVIS - Strong, opinionated, great actress with a caustic tongue, tolerates her co-actor Joan Crawford.  Playing age mid-fifties

JOAN CRAWFORD - Strong, glamorous, a secret alcoholic, also tolerates her co-actor. Playing age mid-fifties.

There will also be “extras” needed. These will be background figures. (film set crew). No dialogue .