A STELLAR PERFORMANCE IN ‘THE SCREEN TEST’ – BEBE CAVE SHINES BRIGHT

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Bebe Cave delivers an unforgettable performance in The Screen Test, a one-woman self penned show that is as comedic as it is thought-provoking. From the moment she steps onto the stage, Cave embodies Betsy Bitterly, an aspiring 1930s Hollywood actress, originally from old blighty, with such charm, vulnerability and well, mania, that it’s impossible not to root for her. Her portrayal of Betsy’s manic desperation (and arguably, manic depression) is nothing short of masterful—she balances the character’s wide-eyed optimism with a creeping sense of delusion, creating a performance that is hilarious, heart-breaking… and at times, a little bit relatable.

Cave’s transatlantic accent is pitch-perfect, adding an extra layer to her portrayal of a starry-eyed hopeful navigating the cutthroat world of Old Hollywood and hiding behind a grinning and bubbly persona. Her ability to switch seamlessly between comedic highs and dark, introspective lows is a testament to her incredible range as an actress. She commands the stage with a magnetic presence, making it easy to see why Betsy is so desperate to “make it”. If only she could only get a starring role, everything will work out in the end, for sure! Betsy, like all of us, is seeking approval, love and acceptance in a very cruel world and dehumanising  industry. The show makes deep points but never ever feels forced or preachy, as it’s really bloody funny. 

The staging of The Screen Test is clever and inventive, using minimal props to maximum effect. The lighting design is particularly striking, shifting seamlessly to reflect Betsy’s changing moods and the surreal nature of her screen tests. The sound production is equally impressive and perfectly complements the action and enhances the show’s darkly comic tone. 

What truly sets The Screen Test apart, however, is its ability to balance humour with deeper themes of ambition, identity, and self-sacrifice. Cave’s performance is the heart and soul of the show, and her ability to make Betsy both relatable and larger-than-life is a testament to her talent. This is a one-woman show in the truest sense, and Bebe Cave carries it with grace, wit, and an undeniable star quality.

If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh, think, and leave you in awe of its leading lady, The Screen Test is not to be missed. Bebe Cave is a revelation, and this production is a triumph of storytelling, staging, and performance. Don’t miss your chance to see this fantastic show—it’s a true gem. I desperately wish to see it again, so if you need a plus one, you know who to ask!

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Photo Credit: Kat Gollock