Oh, to be a star! This is the dream of wannabe Hollywood starlet Betsy Bitterly, created and played by Bebe Cave. The Screen Test is a frank and comedic hour of theatre that promises a wild ride through to the ‘nearly there’ of fame and stardom while also looking at how difficult it is to make it as a woman in the staunchly patriarchal movie business. The Screen Test blends a lot of elements together and not always successfully, but is a lively nod to both the dreams and the blunt reality of having your name up in lights.

The Screen Test generates a sense of scale, glamour and wonder that escapes the confines of its limited set, using projections and improvised design flourishes to great effect. Cave employs a range of verbal, visual, and physical gags that not only get a rise from the crowd but also periodically satirise the unrealistic expectations set on women breaking into show business. She is someone who risks losing herself in her passion, yet you don’t always get the clearest idea of who Bitterly is. She hides herself behind a convincing demeanour of lavishness and fancy, taking you on a hilariously extravagant ride that makes the farce all the more hilariously unbecoming. 

Bitterly’s dreams and growing confidence are consistently betrayed by a look of exasperation and desperation hiding behind her eyes. The impact of her journey, which plays out over many years, is plain to see. But The Screen Test is more concerned with being a darkly comedic romp rather than an introspective piece that blends seriousness with fun. More weighty moments are often interrupted by jokes and giggles, which are entertaining but you can’t escape the feeling that there is more to be said here. And considering how much is fitted into a show that just about stays within the remits of its time limit, that’s saying something. 

An imperfect but colourful performance. The Screen Test lacks the satirical bite and detail you may crave but is still able to win you over with its infectiously entertaining protagonist. Cave produces a strong performance that would surely make her the first choice for any casting director’s latest theatrical soiree. 

The Screen Test has finished its run