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Queen Bette offers a mesmerising portrayal of Bette Davis, though its storyline lacks the cohesion to fully capture her essence.Summary
Rating
Good
Queen Bette, directed by Peter Mountford, is a stunning, if occasionally puzzling, homage to the life of Bette Davis, capturing both the iconic flair and deeply rooted intensity that made her a Hollywood legend. Right from the opening moments, with Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ setting the tone and name-dropping Davis alongside other silver screen icons, the play promises – and mostly delivers – a dramatic, cinematic experience.
Jeanette Cronin embodies Bette Davis so convincingly that it’s easy to forget we’re watching a performance. Her physical resemblance is uncanny, and even more impressive is how she seems to disappear entirely into the role. Every gesture, sharp glare, and piercing line feels as if Davis herself has come alive on stage. It’s a truly transformative portrayal that anchors the show.
The technical elements, particularly the lighting by Harrie Hogan, enhance this experience immensely. With strategic shadows cast onto the set, the lighting evokes the classic noir feel of Davis’s era, emphasising the intensity and depth that defined her career. The costumes are another highlight, with each change perfectly capturing Davis’s varied personas and moments from her illustrious journey, adding a layer of visual storytelling that complements the narrative.
The set design, too, is wonderfully detailed. Every element feels deliberately placed, conjuring an atmosphere that pulls the audience back to the Old Hollywood studios. This thoughtful staging creates a fitting, almost immersive, backdrop for Davis’s larger-than-life story.
However, Queen Bette does stumble when it comes to clarity in its storytelling. The script touches on key moments – Davis’s iconic roles, her battles with Hollywood studios, her tumultuous personal life – but lacks a clear narrative arc, making it hard to follow a central theme or message. While the performance is filled with powerful monologues and memorable quotes, the storyline lacks cohesion, and it’s not always clear what the play is trying to convey beyond Davis’s complex character and resilience.
For die-hard fans of Bette Davis, this show is a treat, as it celebrates her most legendary moments and brings to life her defiant spirit, especially with lines like, “I have never been able to keep my mouth shut.” Yet, for those less familiar with her work, the play may feel a bit scattered, missing an emotional anchor that could tie together Davis’s relentless ambition and the sacrifices she made along the way.
Queen Bette is a remarkable tribute to one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable figures, a show that captures her wit, strength, and indomitable will. It’s a must-see for fans, a dazzling display of drama, charisma, and cinematic nostalgia, even if it leaves you yearning for a more cohesive story.
Directed by: Peter Mountford for G.bod Theatre
Lighting Design by: Harrie Hogan
Devised by: Peter Mountford & Jeanette Cronin, from an original idea by Peter Mountford
Queen Bette plays at Kings Head Theatre until the Saturday 23 November. Further information and booking details can be found here.
