Emerging onstage as the near-grotesque caricature Betsy Bitterly, Bebe Cave seems to have written a part for herself that showcases the very best of her comic abilities. From manic grinning to purposefully overwrought displays of emotion, she runs the gamut of facial tics, vocal contortions and elaborate dance sequences as her character disintegrates under the pressures of aspiration. 

Set in the 1930s, The Screen Test follows Bitterly over almost a decade as her dreams for film stardom are scuppered. Her sense of self slowly slips away from her through a series of screen tests for various genre films, from B-movie horrors to dodgy romances and everything in between. These offer the gentlest versions of the jokes Cave crams each scene with, although darker undercurrents creep into the humour as the stakes are raised and Bitterly’s career ambitions become increasingly unlikely. 

Through her comically lithe script and impeccable performance as an actor on the edge of a delusional breakdown, this is a story with plenty to say about the place of women in an industry that still values looks over talent and which remains dominated by men. Come for Cave, stay for the righteous anger bubbling underneath this strong piece of work. 

The Screen Test, Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 August, 3.10pm.