Above : Lucia Mastrantone as Joan in BETTE AND JOAN at the Ensemble Theatre
Upon learning of her long-time rival Joan Crawford’s death in 1977, Bette Davis famously remarked, “You should never say bad things about the dead, you should only say good.. Joan Crawford is dead. Good.”
This quote is an insight into the relationship between Crawford and Davis. A very public feud. This dynamic is what makes English playwright Anton Burge’s play BETTE AND JOAN so endearing and amusing. Two aging actresses who are not afraid of a battle zone. Burge writes Crawford’s ‘motto’ into the play: “If you want to see the girl next door, go next door”
Burge balances out this word play by sharing with his audiences each actress’ deepest fears – loneliness and rejection.
The two act play is set in Bette (Jeanette Cronin) and Joan’s (Lucia Mastrantone) respective dressing rooms before and after a final day of filming WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? in 1962. A final grab at acceptance and recognition for both of them.
Jeanette Cronin,(who played Bette Davis previously in a one woman show), is masterful as Betty. Her sardonic look, the “Betty Davis eyes”, a disdain for the ordinary, the underlying sadness of someone who is misunderstood and cannot balance her work and four marriages.
Lucia Mastrantone is also a very fine actress – with sharpened physical and emotional skills. She captures Crawford’s vanity, and superficial ‘emotional light switch’ moments, especially when pre-signing autographs on paper for her fans in the dressing room. And reminisces about her lost love affairs…how much Clark Gable loved her.
Director Liesel Badorrek, who has done a splendid job with the direction and staging of the play, decided to use a moving, mounted camera for the actors to use and pre recorded video that both project onto the back wall of the set. Video designer Cameron Smith has done a great job with this impressive idea. It seems to enhance the highly emotive monologues that the actresses present.
Kelsey Lee’s lighting is vital in directing the audience’s eye to each actress.
Grace Deacon’s costumes reflect the contrast between the actresses well…the glamour of Ms Crawford and the no nonsense attitude of Ms Davis.
The use of the dressing room frames works well with the invisible mirrors.
Ross Johnston’s sound design is subtle and effective.
BETTE AND JOAN is definitely a play to see. It is full of vigour, humour and pain. A story of two brilliant women.
BETTE AND JOAN opened at the Ensemble Theatre Kirribilli on Wednesday 25th March 2026 and is playing until the 25th April 2026.
Production photography by Prudence Upton
