Bebe Cave’s one-woman show The Screen Test is a bonkers, non-stop romp offering a vivid glimpse into the tragicomedic life of fictional Betsy Bittersly—a neurotic, self-absorbed actress struggling to make her mark in 1930s-40s Hollywood. In a desperate bid for stardom, Betsy bends over backwards to meet every soul-crushing demand of a man-dominated, consumer-obsessed industry, even rebranding herself (from Betsy Bittersly to the cocktail-sounding Betsy Bitters) in an effort to be instantly palatable.
Writer and performer Bebe Cave takes us on a wild ride from her very first screen test to her final one. Over the course of an hour, the ever-delusional Betsy encounters — and entertains, with a big, unflinching smile — every variety of perv and power player the industry has to offer. Her desperation mounting with every setback, she relentlessly dreams on and pushes through this cutthroat, arse-grabbing world — holding on to the hope that “the hands that grope you one day may be the ones lifting you up the next.”
Yet, amid the relentless comedy, there are moments that hit close to home. When pushed to her limits, Betsy reflects on the way women are groomed to perform an almost divine femininity for men who scarcely notice them as human beings. She eventually laments the loss of her own sense of self — sacrificed in the hope of being granted permission to temporarily play at having one.
Cave’s performance is captivating and brimming with raw energy and charisma. A natural entertainer, she combines vivid imagery with a delightful mix of voices and popular culture references, speedballing through hilarious observations and attitudes reminiscent of both Jim Carrey’s clownish antics and Mae West’s sassy appetite and wit. Though the show at times veers into uneven, unpolished territory, its charm remains undeniable.
The Screen Test is a wild, memorable dive into old Hollywood’s madness, a unique and heartfelt performance I’ve already been enthusiastically recommending to friends. Bebe Cave is definitely one to watch.
Reviewer: Klervi Gavet
Reviewed: 11th February 2025
North West End UK Rating: