Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias – a play performed by St Pauls Players on Saturday, 9th September, 2023 at Adlington Community Centre, Railway Road, Adlington.

I always try to do some research before attending a production that I haven’t seen before, so, having not seen either the play nor the film “Steel Magnolias”, I was surprised to learn that it was effectively a ‘true story’ written in 1987 by playwright Robert Harling, in memory of his sister Susan Harling Robinson. Susan had attempted to live life to the full despite having been diagnosed at the age of twelve with type 1 diabetes. She always wanted children but had been advised not to by doctors because it could jeopardise her health. She became pregnant, had a child, but complications then set in and her kidney’s started to fail! Her mother donated a kidney, but, during the operation, at the age of just 33, Susan died!  It’s said that Harling wrote this play because “all he wanted to do was to have somebody remember her” … in particular, her two-year-old son who may have hadno memories, in the future of his mum!  In 1989, the play was made into a film of the same name directed by Herbert Ross starring a host of Academy Award winners… Sally Field, Shirley macLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts. Some thirty-five years hence, this play is still touching audiences with its warm characters and its portrayal of a group of strong, determined women and how they supported each other through tragedy! This play is a universal story of community, celebrated individuality, love, friendship, sacrifice and grief!

Production Team … you could be forgiven for thinking that a play set in a beauty parlour with lots and lots of words and very little action, might induce the occasional yawn from the audience… not so and Jane Preston (Director) deserves every credit for her handling of this poignant and highly technical piece of theatre!  She’s remained faithful to the setting of Louisiana, in the heart of the Deep South, where the action unfolds in the singular setting of a small-town beauty parlour. I had the privilege and pleasure, before the performance, to speak with Jane about the play, its challenges and its complex storyline!  It was an intriguing conversation, at the heart of it, Jane had to get six strangers, some of whom hadn’t been on stage for many years, one that had never been on stage at all to come together quickly, to form a bond, to become friends and to transfer all that to the stage… all I can say Jane is that it worked … and what came out the other end was a wonderful team effort, a great piece of theatre that was fully appreciated by those present. Can I also give a shout out to Harry Cohen on his debut as Producer. Like Jane, I did get chance to speak with Harry before the show… well-done young man, another string to your bow!  Congrats to you both, all that hard worked certainly did pay off!

The Cast…  the cast was made up of six ladies all of whom produced praiseworthy performances and should be commended for keeping up the steady pace of animated babble, whilst dealing with the monumental task of remembering all that dialogue!  There was no ‘individual star’ the success of this production was purely down to ‘cast chemistry’ and ‘team togetherness’ which was evident throughout!  The audience joined with them, laughing at the triumphs, feeling the angst shared by the ladies when they met up for their Saturday morning beauty sessions at Miss Truvy’s!   So, where to start….  let’s start right in the midst of the beauty salon with the owner ‘Truvy’, played with aplomb and a deep rich Southern accent by Amy Shinners. Amy brought with her, confidence, great stage presence, a totally likable, totally believable character, a perfect fit for this role!  Be ever so proud Amy…   great portrayal!  Next, down on her luck ‘Annelle Dupuy-Desoto’ played really well by Yzzy Heyes. Annelle’s is the salons ‘new insecure employee’ whose confidence begins to grow when she converts to God!  Yzzy was another with great stage presence, who provided us with another totally believable character, with mannerisms and facial expressions aplenty!  She worked really well with all the other actors… be very proud Yzzy… great job! (PS: I found it particularly fascinating watching Truvy and Annelle doing all the hairdressing stuff… not sure if they’d had training or experience, but it really looked authentic).  Mother and daughter ‘M’Lynn Eatenton’ and ‘Shelby Eatonton-Latcherie’, were played extremely well by the ‘experienced’ Jacqui Brian and ‘first time on stage’ Imogen Bradley respectively. These were the two pivotal roles within the play… M’Lynn giving us the parental perspective on things whilst Shelby providing a more optimistic, pragmatic view to situations they find themselves in. The chemistry and on-stage presence from both were amazing, the diction and articulation, great!  Loved the final, tragic monologue from M’Lynn… well done you two… be proud! Karen Thompson-Butler took on the role of the uncompromising ‘Clairee Belcher’, the middle-aged wealthy, widowed ex-mayoress!  Karen was another with great stage aplenty, her reactions and mannerisms during the periods of silence were superb. Interacted really well with all the cast members, loved the characterisation, be proud Karen, great job!   Last, but certainly not least… Siobhán Edge took on the role of the wealthy, grumpy divorcee ‘Ouiser Boudreaux’ a women with many problems who wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions in no uncertain terms!  I’ve said this before and I’ll no doubt say it again… Siobhán, just makes me laugh… so this being the major comedy role in the play, the part was made for her!  Siobhán was another who created a wonderful character, oozed stage presence, another role that she just ‘nailed’… be proud Siobhán, great job!

Staging/Set/Tech… the staging/set, which was picture perfect, capturing the essence of a busy salon whilst providing a wonderful platform for the cast to move freely around the stage and do their thing, was under the control of Tony Henry (Stage Manager), Joe Harrison (Assistant Stage Manager) and their Stage Crew of Jill and Barry Heeks, Vince Taylor, Andy Lane and Alan Leyland. We had some great supporting sound effects and some great lighting provided by Joanne and Natalie Sweet, Richard Cornes (Sound) and Stuart Naylor (Lighting)… well done folks… great job!

Props… were amazing and enhanced the production so much… under the watchful eye of Sue Heyes, Becca Hilton and Sharon Kellie… well done!

Can I just say again… thanks to Graham Cohen for his welcome and his hospitality throughout and to Jane Preston and Harry Cohen for taking the time to speak with me before and during the production. Loved the production and already looking forward to the pantomime… Oh no I’m not…. OH YES I AM!!

Stay safe and keep well…

‘STRONGER TOGETHER’

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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