Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias is a play by Robert Harling, which he based on the experience of his sister dying from the complications of diabetes. It is set in the 1980s and takes place entirely in Truvy’s beauty parlour in the red-neck Louisiana parish of Chinquapin, where the local women regularly gather to gossip and have their hair done. Moments of great pathos are contrasted with some uproariously funny moments, and you get a real feel for what these women’s everyday lives were like.

When the curtains went back, we were greeted by an impressive box set (Andy Ripley and Tony Silk) featuring Truvy’s salon, filled with all the accoutrements you’d expect to find there (supplied by Mr Graham’s Salon). The same set was used throughout with a few adjustments to allow for the passage of time. Lighting and sound effects were spot on – the gunshots making me jump out my seat several times! Excellent costumes and wigs (Lydia Shepherd) completed the picture.

This was a great production – pacey and full of humour and life. Directors Steven Penfold and Sophie Nickerson have really inspired this strong cast of six, who all seemed perfect in their roles, to shine. Each one gave an outstanding performance, maintaining accents well and really bringing out the individual characters.

Angie McKeown was just right as the warm-hearted Truvy, always keen to share the latest gossip in town and hand out advice to anyone who wanted it. I was amazed that she could keep acting while pinning up Shelby’s hair and making an excellent job of it (to my inexpert eye). Megan Cranfield really nailed the part of Annelle – softly-spoken and gentle, newly separated from her husband and desperate for a job. We watched her blossom under Truvy’s care, only to go off the rails a little with her religious fervour.

Olivia Dale really made Shelby come alive. The young bride-to-be, loved by all the ladies in town but with a rather antagonistic relationship with her mother. We all felt for her when her desire for a child made her reckless about the consequences her diabetes might bring. Lexi Brannigan was totally convincing as Shelby’s mother M’Lynn, desperately trying to protect her and let her go at the same time. Her emotional outburst in the last scene was a terrific performance, really plucking at the heart strings.

Lillian Clark made a fabulous Clairee, widow of the former mayor, with a great line in sarcasm which she was used to great effect, especially in the last scene to puncture the seriousness. I think she has some of the best one-liners in the show and Lillian did not waste a single one – they all landed perfectly. Last, but definitely not least, was Annie North as Ouiser – a loveably miserable old lady, but Annie showed us the soft heart underneath the gruff exterior.

Your programme (Sass Adams) was, as always, exemplary: well laid out, full of information about the play, the cast and the company, and with a top-quality look and feel.

This was a superb production with top quality acting and direction. Despite the heat in the auditorium, we were all agog to know what happened next, and I shall remember it fondly for many years to come. HUGE well done to everyone involved.

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