Writer’s Note: Anton Burge, BETTE & JOAN

What ever happened ON What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

The stories regarding Bette Davis and her – supposed – archnemesis Joan Crawford are the stuff of Hollywood legend. Yes, while filming the classic What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), it was reported that Joan tied weights to herself when Bette had to lift her, because Bette had recently broken her back. Yes, apparently, Bette’s stiletto heel made contact with Joan’s skull when Bette had to kick her across the floor during filming. Yes, when the two were paired up for another movie (eventually Joan was replaced by Olivia de Havilland), Bette ordered Coca-Cola dispensers for the set because she couldn’t stand the taste of Pepsi-Cola (Joan at that time was on the board of Pepsi-Cola, her late husband’s company). And yes, it was recorded that when Bette was nominated for an Oscar for Baby Jane, and Joan wasn’t, Joan campaigned against Bette, even going so far as telling the other nominees that if they couldn’t attend the ceremony, she would be delighted to collect the Oscar on their behalf. When Anne Bancroft won and couldn’t attend, Joan did just that.

BETTE & JOAN – first performed in the West End in 2011 – deals with much of this, but it was never my intention to create merely a catalogue of anecdotes. I was more interested in the position of older actresses in Hollywood at that time and the similarities between the two women, however emphatically Bette stated, “We had absolutely nothing in common!”

It might be argued that much has changed in the business for women since 1962, especially recently, but there is still progress to be made, particularly regarding actresses of that ‘certain age’. Both Bette and Joan were considered by producers to be over the hill in their forties, making the success of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, made when they were in their fifties, even more remarkable and satisfying for them.

Since my play’s debut, it has gone on to be performed regularly worldwide, and I am delighted that it is now having this run at the celebrated Ensemble Theatre, with a company who believe in the story of these women and their struggle, beyond the anecdotes.

Anton Burge, London 2026

Playing 20 Mar – 25 Apr, book tickets to BETTE & JOAN today.