Ensemble Theatre Presents The Australian Premiere Of BETTE & JOAN – Hollywoods Golden Age famous Feud

Ensemble Theatre is thrilled to present the Australian premiere of British playwright Anton Burge’s deliciously wicked two-hander Bette & Joan, from 20th March to 25th April 2026.

Directed by Liesel Badorrek (The Half-Life of Marie Curie, The Glass Menagerie) and starring Australian theatre icons Jeanette Cronin (Dark Voyager, The Cavalcaders) and Lucia Mastrantone (Master Class, Belvoir’s Looking for Alibrandi), Bette & Joan captures the vulnerability and venom of two extraordinary women fighting for relevance, and one last moment in the spotlight.

In Hollywood’s Golden Age, two queens reigned supreme, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Before What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? lit up cinemas, their off-camera rivalry was already a blockbuster.

Anton Burge’s cinematic drama pulls back the curtain on the set where egos clashed, tempers flared, and a legendary feud hit boiling point.

Director Liesel Badorrek:

Bette and Joan. So much more than a little feud. Two incredible icons – their glamour, talent, ambition and one of the most famous double acts in cinema history.

Jeanette Cronin:

Audiences can expect a rare glimpse inside the minds of two of the most public people on earth. A backstage pass into the dressing room of two titans of the silver screen the goddess of grit meets the goddess of glam.who plays Bette in the production.

The all-star cast and crew also includes Jessica Fallico (Culture Shock Theatrical’s Blacklisted) as Assistant Director, set and costume design by Grace Deacon (Fly Girl, The Glass Menagerie), lighting design by Kelsey Lee (Master Class, The Memory of Water), video design by Cameron Smith (The Half-life Of Marie Curie, Primary Trust), and original compositions by Ross Johnston (Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Open for Inspection).

Take a front row seat to an iconic battle of barbs, ambition and brilliance.

Season Details

Venue: Ensemble Theatre
Date: 20 Mar – 25 Apr 2026

For more information click HERE