A biographical play by Anton Burge, Bette & Joan tells of the long-standing feud between screen goddesses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. We meet them at a low point in their careers, when they meet on the set of the now classic film Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?, a high-risk shocker which became a surprise hit and propelled the duo back to stardom.

Despite the 30-year rivalry behind them, the pair begin to discover some surprising similarities that lead to a greater understanding of each other. Bette & Joan also reveals the shocking way in which women in the film business, even major stars, were treated.

Bette & Joan stars Greta Scacchi as Bette Davis and Anita Dobson as Joan Crawford. Scacchi is no stranger to the film business herself, having come to prominence in films including Presumed Innocent, The Browning Version and Heat And Dust. Dobson is remembered for her hugely popular turn as Angie in EastEnders, though more recently her work has included stage productions of Frozen, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hamlet and Calendar Girls.

For more about Bette & Joan at the Arts theatre read the First Night Feature.