Review: Queen Bette
Queen Bette is inspired by Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis’ own words, drawing on various interviews and also one of her memoirs, A Lonely Life. Produced by G.bod Theatre, Queen Bette is devised by Peter Mountford (Director, who is also credited as having the original idea for the show) and Jeanette Cronin (cast). Retracing the remarkable life of a legendary film/television/theatre performer, the 75-minute show touches on Davis’ early days and influences, her commercial and critical success, her battles with the American studio system, and a personal life that included four husbands.
Jeanette Cronin gives what can only be described as a one-woman show masterclass, in an exceptional performance. Despite one of the front row members of the preview audience deciding to munch through a large bag of crisps, Cronin gave a performance that Bette Davis would have been proud of: at times playful, funny, powerful, and even plaintive, but always focused and in control. And some great and memorable lines, including the words of early teachers and of the star: ‘your daughter belongs on the stage,’ ‘it was as though I was in focus for the first time’ (being on stage), ‘what is worse than being an actor, is trying to be one,’ and ‘a woman has to fly high and fight to reach the top.’
The costumes are used to great effect—with compelling moves with the petticoats and various subtle changes in style to evoke time and place. Ideally, I’d like to have seen Cronin burst onto the stage in the full Elizabeth 1 costume, but the bodice top sits tantalisingly unlit, stage left, as a reminder of the role played by the ‘Queen of Celluloid.’ The set design worked well, evoking a dressing room but not being constrained by any one specific place. And I loved those moments of stage business that included the perfect placing of the chair, referencing aspects of a controlling and perfectionist individual.
At times the accent, particularly in the opening minutes, was a little jarring—but, if I went back to early recordings and films, I am sure I would find it to be authentically jarring. I did also find some of the lighting changes to be rather too abrupt, and therefore distracting—particularly when switching to different colour washes and backgrounds—but I loved the ‘in the spotlight’ moments in the closing scenes (Harrie Hogan, lighting design and stage management). And I wondered if a dramaturg, or perhaps projections refencing some of the different times and places, might help with developing a clearer ending.
But this is a solo show I am happy to wholeheartedly recommend. And I guess it’s going to increase sales of A Lonely Life, as many of us look to find out more about of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. Just leave your packets of crisps at home, or eat them before the show.
Picture: Queen Bette (Jeanette Cronin). Note: Not a Creative Futures Photography image (source https://piptheatre.org/queen-bette/)
Audience information: Queen Bette (24 September-5 October, 2024), PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064. 75 minutes (no interval). Warnings include the onstage use of herbal cigarettes. Tickets $40-50.
The reviewer attended the 24 September 2024 preview performance.