Steel Magnolias

Congleton Players opened their 2020 season with Robert Harlings’ play Steel Magnolias.  Better known for its 1989 film version starring Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine, this play focuses on the life of six formidable Southern American women who use the local salon as a form of therapy.  The course of the play focuses on the story of Shelby and her journey from type 1 diabetes to her eventual death from complications from kidney disease.  It’s fair to say that this plotline may not have the grandeur of other plays that Congleton Players have produced but it was great to see the focus on the acting, characterisations and storyline come to the forefront.  NODA award winning director Louise Colohan was once again at the helm of this production.  The staging of the piece was wonderful and there were many many ways in which the direction was to the advantage of the overall piece.  However, for me, there was a lack of pace in the opening scene and I felt there was more opportunity for humour which would’ve been a great anthesis for act 2.  I found the use of a live band/singers and the radio announcer a little confusing.  Whilst it was great for scene changes and a nice link to the radio/radio station, the way in which the band and the radio presenters were used was a little strange.  Overall however, the direction of the whole story was great as well as the use of lighting and sound to provide layers and enhance the story.  The accents and characterisations from each of the six actresses was fantastic and the staging of the whole piece, including the set and costumes really brought this play to life.  I was enthralled throughout this piece and focussing on each of the actress personal journey.  The storyline was the focus which brought the audience right into the drama and kept us entertained right until the very end.  It’s not hard to see why Louise and Congleton Players are NODA award winners.  This play was another hit and a great start to their 2020 season.

As I mentioned above, the staging was great.  The set and props were outstanding and used very well throughout.  Kudos to the set, prop and costumes team who have clearly worked very hard.  Your hard work really did enhance the whole production and your hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed.

The costumes for each of the characters enabled each one to stand out and have their own individuality.  I personally didn’t like the use of natural hair for M’Lynn and Clairee in both acts as it didn’t show enough of a difference between entering and leaving the salon – I’m being overly picky here though.  The lighting was basic but used in a subtle way to show the passing of time.  I appreciated the sunlight coming in through the window and other lighting aspects.  I also appreciated the use of sound which was great throughout.  I could hear every word the actors said which made the humour and the storyline stand out.  I have to say that overall the diction, articulation and projection as well as the accents were excellent!

Shelby was beautifully played by Sam Sherliker.  Sam was very well cast in this role and showed a lovely contrast from the independent and bolshy side of Shelby to that of a vulnerable daughter and friend.  Her final lines were delivered in a way that was memorable and set up the final scene.  Sam’s acting was naturalistic, believable and great to watch.

Shelby’s mother M’Lynn was played by Sarah Francis.  Sarah’s diction and articulation were great, and she showed a good rapport with the other actresses in scenes.  The scene in the second act in which she was describing what had happened to Shelby was excellent and very moving.  The way in which she was sad, angry and hurt was great and very believable.

Rachel Wood, for me, was excellent in the role of Truvy.  I loved her styling, her accent, the way in which she delivered her lines, her characterisation – everything!  A fantastically believable and naturalistic performance.

Heather Pearce was well cast as the uncompromising Clairee.  Heather’s delivery of her lines, including the one liners, were great.  I liked her styling and she gave a natural performance of this character.  I felt that she might’ve benefited from a wig of sorts to show the journey of having her hair done as there was a scene in which the back of her hair was being cut by Annelle for an awfully long time.  I doubt any of the audience would’ve noticed this, however.  Overall, a lovely performance and I look forward to seeing Heather onstage again in another role.

Rosie Pearce was very strong and gave a great performance as Ouiser.  Whilst I didn’t believe that Rosie was anywhere near old enough to play this character, I cannot fault Rosie’s performance or commitment to character.  Ousier is great role to play and different to that of most of the others onstage.  I particularly enjoyed and appreciated the physicality that Rosie brought to this role.  This helped enhance the character.

Whilst it is VERY hard to single out one person in a cast as strong as this, one of the stars of the show for me was Laura Beech, who played the role of Annelle.  I felt that Laura was outstanding in this role, acted her socks off and WAS the character.  Her accent was flawless, and her acting was believable throughout.  What stood out for me were the times when Annelle didn’t have any lines.  Her reactions were believable, natural and I couldn’t take my eyes off her!

Daniel Wood was funny was the radio announcer.  He had an awe of ‘Trump’ about his delivery which was funny.  The Prestige sisters sang beautifully, and I liked the way they went from singing to being played on the radio – that transition in sound was great.  Whilst I felt that it was strange to include the band and the radio announcer this doesn’t reflect on their performances. 

Overall, this was a naturalistic and heartful emotional journey.  The audiences loved it and it is clear to see why Congleton Players are at the top of their game year on year.  The whole production team did well to work cohesively to ensure that this wonderful production was beautifully presented.  I thank Congleton Players for their hospitality and wish them all the very best for their next production of Blue Remembered Hills!

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