“Christine St. John has written a one-woman show every bit as tempestuous as the iconic actress herself. She delivers a powerful, unrelenting monologue…”
Martin Allen, Hastings Independent, East Sussex, UK
Read a full review of the Hasting performance from February 2019
“Performing an icon is no easy feat, but if it’s anyone who’s done Bette Davis justice, it’s Christine St. John…”
Bakchormeeboy – Arts, Culture and Lifestyle Webgazine, Singapore
Read a full review of the Singapore performance from March 2019
Comments for the Ethiopian Embassy press in support of the fundraising performance for the Meseret Yirga Centre, May 2019, Donmar Dryden St., Covent Garden London
“Christine St John’s portrayal of Bette Davis is much more than an impersonation – she gives a fascinating insight into the heart and soul of the woman. She is superb.”
Claire Skinner, actress
“I have seen Bette Davis on The Edge four times and each time I have loved it more than the last- it manages to combine, drama, comedy and fascinating history – It fills the audience in with all the remarkable juicy facts about Bette Davis’ life and career that I can never hear enough of- You get a sense of the woman- the actress and the star but at the same it’s wonderful piece of theatre – Christine St John’s performance is an absolute tour de force- funny and moving but dramatic and thought provoking as well- Christine St John effortlessly holds the stage with a few well chosen props to help her tell the story- She effortlessly brings the woman to life without ever having to resort to caricature- she becomes her with the gentlest of brush strokes and even succeeds in looking like her- Bette Davis on the Edge is a wonderful night in the theatre guaranteed to enthrall and entertain any audience lucky enough to see it.”
Robert Hands, actor
“Christine St John’s portrayal of Bette Davis In her one-woman show is fascinating, funny, and moving. Davis was not only a unique film actor, a true star, but a remarkable woman. Christine’s play creates the world of Hollywood and many of its inhabitants so that it is hard to believe that there is actually only one person on the stage.“
Sheila Hancock, actress
“Bette Davis On The Edge, written and performed by Christine St John is a mesmerising piece of theatre. It fully does justice to an extraordinary, complex woman and a great actress. Christine St John uncannily creates the screen icon before our disbelieving eyes and then drags her through hell taking us, kicking and screaming with her. It is urbanely witty, laugh out loud funny, extremely moving and harrowing. If you ever get the chance to see this tremendous performance then drop everything and GO.”
Tim McInnerny, actor
Hastings Online Times
An article by Glenys Jacques, from September 2019, click here.
“The performance is polished and captures perfectly the essence of Bette Davis. Christine has a fantastic energy on stage and the audience were gripped from first to last. Feedback from everyone after the show was “Excellent”. It is a very entertaining tour de force and very suitable for rural touring venues and audiences. Well worth checking out”.
Dan Clucas, Theatre in the Villages, Bucks, UK
“Christine St. John delivered a masterful performance of Bette Davis on the Edge on 12th November at the Bernard Hall. Ms. St. John wrote the piece after much research about Hollywood and Broadway in their glamourous heyday. What a rare treat to witness the passion and focus and talent of an actress of such calibre. There were moments when the sold-out audience held their breath waiting for release from the consummate performer, as she shared her life’s challenges and tales of her famous co- stars. We were all transported to that time and place. And when she finished, the audience rose to its feet, with huge, thrilled smiles and loud and long applause. Ms. St. John gave her performance free, the proceeds to be shared between the two CYD chosen charities. We give thanks for a grand performance, a once upon a time delivery.”
Elaine English, Cuddington Village Voice, Buckinghamshire, UK
“The attention to detail and a dynamic performance are reasons why Bette Davis On The Edge starring Christine St. John in the title role succeeds so nicely on stage. Just as it should be, the spotlight is reserved for Davis, with St. John delivering a mark-perfect performance of the one and only actress, allowing her to reign supreme. St. John becomes Davis, including capturing her trademark glances and wide-eyed stares.”
NW Indiana Times, USA
“Bette Davis On The Edge is full of nostalgic charm and is an exciting thrill-ride through the life of Bette Davis and the history of the motion picture industry. St. John vivaciously brings the Hollywood Star back to life, while also playing a multitude of other roles. Bette Davis On The Edge is a shining example of what live theatre is all about.”
The Michigan City News-Dispatch, USA
“This charity performance of Bette Davis on the Edge, benefiting the Imperial College Healthcare charity, is also the UK début and it is a genuinely engaging story. St. John has clearly done a lot of research and her enthusiasm gives real flavour to the copious anecdotes and insights Bette recalls.”
Maryam Philpott, The Public Reviews, UK