Anton is an actor and writer, whose first play, ‘Whatever Happened to the Cotton Dress Girl?’ a one woman show about the actress Bette Davis, marking her centenary, premiered last year at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, staring Paula Wilcox.
He has written 3 further plays: ‘Though I was a Wonderful Actress, no one would engage me Twice’, a study of the celebrated Edwardian actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell and ‘Whatever Happened ON Baby Jane?’, to go into production next year, a follow up to last year’s ‘Whatever Happened to the Cotton Dress Girl?’, focussing on a both stars of the cult classic ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?’
He is also at work on a biography of Bette Davis: ‘A Life Lived in Melodrama’ and a book of studies and interviews of actress’ interpretations of Queen Elizabeth I: ‘Portraying Elizabeth’; the interviewees include Anna Massey, Glenda Jackson and Harriet Walter.
In April 2009, to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, ‘G & I~ Going into Battle with Gertrude Lawrence’, focussing on the actresses War work with E.N.S.A. in 1944, opened at the New End Theatre, Hampstead for a five week
run. Hailed as one of the ‘London fringe successes of the year’ by the Stage Magazine.
Reviews for ‘Whatever Happened to the Cotton Dress Girl?’:
‘A wonderful tribute to Bette Davis... superb stuff. This warm and spikily written show deserves a life beyond it’s present run’ Lloyd Evans, Spectator.
‘New insights provided by Burge. This is fine entertainment, right up to Davis’ ringing last line’ Bill Bingham, Sky Arts.
‘Loving, well~ researched tribute show’ Dominic Maxwell, The Times.
‘If an audience with Bette Davis appeals, don’t miss this. This solo show offers a rare portrait of a fascinating woman... Anton Burge’s thoroughly researched and lively script is clearly a labour of love. He does justice to the actress’ talent and tenacity. Her triumphs and turbulent love life... It’s an enjoyable hour~ warm, poignant and entertaining. At one point Paula Wilcox’s formidable Davis declares: “People have described me as exhausting more than anything else.” She isn’t exhausting in this performance~ she makes for great company’ Evelyn Curlet, The Stage.
Reviews for ‘G & I~ Going into Battle with Gertrude Lawrence’:
‘If you are looking for {an}... introduction to the work of one of the greatest and most popular female British performers of the twentieth century, this show will appeal’ Paul Vale, The Stage.
Anton is represented by Emily Hayward
