BLOODY BALLAD OF BETTE DAVIS to Return to Edinburgh Fringe from Piper Theatre
The camp horror musical fantasy will play Assembly Roxy Upstairs, featuring Oliver Reed and Karen Black characters.
Set during the twilight of Bette Davis's legendary career to a soundtrack that blends close harmony, disco, rockand wistful ballads inspired by musical greats like Kander and Ebb and Elton John, The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis explores aging, motherhood and the darker underbelly of Tinseltown.
With her star fading and finances dwindling, the Oscar winning actress reluctantly accepts a role in the now cult 1975 film Burnt Offerings. Though the movie is a haunted house horror, the real horrors occur off camera. Tormented by a set visit from her daughter BD Hyman, whoaccuses her of being a witch, and locked in bitter conflict with her co-stars – the notorious hellraiser Oliver Reed and younger star in her prime Karen Black – the iconic actress finds herself backed into a corner and surrounded by enemies. As the conflict escalates and the chaos ramps up, this camp horror musical fantasy imagines what would happen if the Hollywood titan unleashed her alleged dark powers and took her revenge on those who wronged her.
The production runs 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 12+. Directed by John P. McEneny, with a book by McEneny and music and lyrics by Rob Parker, the creative team also includes set designer Eric Sicard and lighting and sound designer Rob Parker. Rachael Jones serves as executive producer, Justine McLaughlin as general manager, Aaron Novak as digital campaign director, Vas Eli as photographer, and Lily Parker as graphic designer.
The cast includes Bette Annie Meek Montgomery; Aaron Novak as Decky, Oliver, and Ted Bessell; Don Coleson as Berlin; Laura Dillman Frank as Karen Black, Amelia, and Goat; and Grace Olinsky as B.D. Hyman, Billie, and Agnetha.
Performances will take place at Assembly Roxy Upstairs, Venue 139, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9SU, from August 6–30, excluding August 5, 13, 20, and 27, with performances running daily from 3:00–4:00 PM. Preview tickets on August 6 are £11, performances on August 7–11, 14–16, 21–23, and 28–30 are £16, and performances on August 12, 17–19, and 24–26 are £14.
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