Bette, Judy, Liza and me

As she prepares to portray Bette Davis on stage in the play Me And Jezebel, it has to be said actress Katy Manning knows a thing or two about dealing with famous legends.

Manning, the former Doctor Who girl who has been busy on the Australian stage for the past 30 years, was schoolgirl best friends with Liza Minnelli, and spent many school holidays with Liza’s mother, Judy Garland.

So in taking on a legend like Davis in the play, Manning has been recalling her days spent with Garland and her posse of showbiz pals.

In all those years with Judy, there was a range of extraordinary characters around and it gave me an insight into this kind of person. I am using Judy and all of them to base this one on, Manning says.

Me And Jezebel is the true story of how the then-77-year-old Davis arrived to stay briefly with a devoted fan, writer Elizabeth Fuller, but then wouldn’t move out. As days turned into weeks and finally months, Davis wreaked havoc through the once tranquil Fuller household.

Me And Jezebel was staged seven years at the old Valhalla Theatre, with Manning playing Fuller opposite US drag artist Kelly Moore as Davis.

In this new one-woman incarnation of the play, however, Manning plays all the roles. Her partner, Barry Crocker, is also directing her.

My brain is absolutely spinning -“ I have to admit I am always frightened of Davis, Manning says. Bette Davis was so very specific. At times she can be very unpleasant and at other times can be very funny. All those nuances have to be right, otherwise I could never capture her essence.

As for the state of her close friendship with Liza Minnelli, Manning admits the news is not good. There has been an interruption, as I did something very stupid and have not been fully forgiven, she tells.

It appears the falling out was over a comment she made about Minnelli’s disastrous marriage to David Gest.

So I am in the naughty books, but I have been in the naughty books before, Manning says.

Me And Jezebel is on Wednesday 24 January at Slide, Darlinghurst. Bookings: 8915 1899.