Once grande dames of Hollywood, by 1962 arch-rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were in danger of becoming has-beens. Then an opportunity came along: to appear together in a new movie called Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?

Bette & Joan shows the two actresses, in neighbouring dressing rooms, during breaks while filming Baby Jane. Joan copes with her anxiety by adding vodka to her Pepsi and autographing photos for her devoted fans, while Bette smokes incessantly and reflects on her romantic life and her knack for choosing good scripts but not good men.

Beneath the banter and pranks, we witness the vulnerabilities and remorse of each woman, and their rivalry is exposed as being rooted in reluctant admiration as they strive to define their new roles in both life and their professions.

Bette & Joan was first performed at the Arts Theatre, London, starring Greta Sacchi and Anita Dobson in May 2011.