Battles at the beauty counter

A world premiere new work starring Miriam Margolyes and Frances Barber, this fresh new comedy takes us back in time to one of the most glamorous feuds of the Fifties; and no, we aren't talking about Bette Davis versus Joan Crawford - this one takes place in the world of fine cosmetics! With a musical version currently playing on Broadway called War Paint, this infamous rivalry between Helena Rubenstein, Elizabeth Arden and Revlon has proved to be a gold mine of inspiration! Lipsticks at dawn are the order of the day - a comedy for beauty lovers everywhere.

Following the indomitable rise of Rubenstein (Margoyles) to power from humble beginnings as a Polish-Jewish immigrant, she uses her savvy and business nus to charm over investors to become of the most powerful women in cosmetics, a new concept for the ages. However, all is not calm under the surface, with her well-documented rivalry with Elizabeth Arden and Revlon's companies, combining with a turbulent private life threaten both her livelihood and her reputation as one of the beauty master cosmetic designers.