Making her solo production debut at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, Bebe Cave is taking The Screen Test to the stage. Exploring endeavours to be in the spotlight, her character - Betsy Bitterly - reflects the turbulent journey to the top, and how a fixed outlook of determination to triumph may have unsuspected consequences.
Telling us more, Bebe has shared her thoughts about bringing the piece to life.
How would you summarise the show and why audiences should see it?
The Screen Test is about an aspiring actress in the golden age of Hollywood. It's a dark comedy about acting, dreams, delusion and desperation. This story explores the ways that wanting something, or wanting to 'be' something can result in hilariously tragic consequences.
What inspired its creation and what drew you towards the dark comedy genre?
My career as an actress and writer, and my genuine fascination with the kooky world of show business was the first point of inspiration in this process. I wanted to write from experience, but through a softer, more romantic lens, which is why I set it in one of my favourite cinematic eras. I knew that I wanted the story to be emotional, and dark, but I have always believed that comedy is the most effective way to get an audience to sit up and engage with a piece of writing. Therefore I knew that the darker I wanted the show to be, the funnier it had to be.
How was the development process, particularly working separately from [your sister and co-creator of previous projects] Jessie on this occasion?
The development process was thrilling - I had no idea what I was doing at any real point in the process, just a vague feeling of what I wanted it to be, so I just tried to follow my instincts and write down every idea and bit of inspiration that came along. After a little while, those ideas became pages of research and great jumping-off places for scenes. Then a little while after that, structure slowly started to appear and then I booked some previews (scary) and worked it out as I went along! My sister has always been one to encourage putting stuff 'out there', even if it's not perfect. Otherwise, it's easy to procrastinate and not end up doing it at all! So even though we weren't working together on this show, her methods were still very much part of my process!
Why was the era of golden-age Hollywood an appealing time to set the piece and how did you research the period to represent it?
I love the classic screwball films and heroines of the 1930s and 40s, which was one of the main reasons I decided to set the show in that era. I felt that the heightened comic writing style, clipped accents, and almost farcical tone would be very suitable and transferrable for a fringe show! However as the writing process progressed I realised that I was going to be exploring more than just the screwball genre for the show, so as research I watched (and rewatched) lots of classic films spanning across Romance, Film Noir, Westerns and more. I also discovered some hidden gems, like a very young Bette Davis doing a hilarious cockney accent in the wonderful film 'Of Human Bondage' - I really recommend!
What important messages does The Screen Test offer audiences to take away after seeing it?
That it's important not to lose yourself in pursuit of your dreams! And that there's nothing funnier and sadder than a desperate actress (I would know).
What have you learned through your own experiences of challenges as an actress and how does this relate to the character?
I've learnt (the hard way) that there is no magic day in the future where you will be plucked out from obscurity and granted all your wishes and 'make it'. The life you are living now is as good a time as any to put your own work out there! You have very little control over your fate as an actor, and most of the time it is really down to luck rather than talent alone, and that frustration was a great emotional level I wanted to include in my character.
How are you feeling about bringing your debut solo show to the Fringe?
I'm feeling so excited and grateful to have the chance to perform my own writing for the first time. It's such a privilege to get to showcase your work at the best and biggest arts festival in the world. I'm also a bit terrified - but I keep reminding myself that the fear is good, as it's a reminder of how much I care.
If you could better the way the arts industry currently casts performers and decides who gets to the top, what would you change and why?
I'm not sure what actual changes I would implement, maybe I would start by banning any more remakes of old movies! Sometimes when it ain't broke, you don't need to fix it.
Some great comments from Bebe there - thank you so much for your contributions. Wishing you all the best for the Fringe run, and hope you have a fantastic time!
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