Hollywood glamour comes to Hope Mill with Bette and Joan

The red carpet of Ancoats will roll out to welcome grand dames of the Hollywood silver screen, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. 

Brought to Hope Mill Theatre (10-13 July) by Wise Fools Theatre Company, Bette and Joan, is a one-day snapshot depicting the violent, tense relationship of the two arch rivals whilst filming the only time they worked together in the classic 1962 film – What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 

Audiences join the fading stars as they sit alone in their dressing rooms, reflecting on their lives whilst preparing for filming. But when they meet face to face, sparks fly; the dialogue becomes barbed and wickedly funny, then turns poignant, tragic and deliciously hilarious. 

This Manchester-premiere of Anton Burge’s delightful Bette and Joan is directed by Sue Jenkins and performed by Julie Edwards and Kerry Willison-Parry. 

Director Sue Jenkins is relishing the challenge of balancing the tension between the two leading ladies. Sue says: “I am delighted to be directing this superb piece, and really excited to be exploring the hidden depths of these two iconic actresses.”

Playwright Anton Burge says: “‘We have absolutely nothing in common!’ said Bette Davis at the time. However, both Bette and Joan were considered ‘over the hill’ in their forties, making the success of Baby Jane in their fifties even more of a triumph. I’m delighted the play is being brought to Hope Mill Theatre, with a company who believe in the story of these women and their struggle.”

Bette and Joan was first performed by Greta Scacchi and Anita Dobson at the Arts Theatre in 2011 and has since travelled to worldwide audiences.

There is no denying both stars have their own unique legacy, and audiences are being asked, whose story gets your support? Are you #TeamBette or #TeamJoan? Join in the conversation on Twitter @bette_joan 

Bette and Joan is at Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats, from 10-13 July 2019, tickets are £16/14 and are available now via below

Published: 4-Jul-2019: (5462)