Steel Magnolias

This play written in 1987 by American playwright Robert Harling has been a popular piece amongst the amateur theatre producers for many years but with the right cast and direction does not feel at all dated, still making a powerful statement relevant today. It celebrates the bonds of friendship and support of women through all life’s traumas to give them strength to overcome their problems through laughter and tears.

The play was dedicated to Cathy Mclean who along with Matt Girt were planning to produce this play some ten years ago, but it never happened as she sadly passed away before rehearsals began. This production supported The East of England Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network, reflecting the play’s theme of diabetes.

It is set in 1980s, in a beauty parlor in Louisiana. The set had been tastefully recreated to include all the paraphernalia seen during that period with iconic photos and magazines to add to the authenticity, including a neon light in the window. Obviously much care had been taken to achieve the right ambience  along with costumes from the period.

Amanda Langley played Truvy, the salon owner, as a warm and quirky character with a genuinely caring heart. Charlotte Crown playing Annelle is new to town and her job in the salon, initially shy and nervous, but her character changes after she finds God.  Both these ladies looked confident in their hairdressing skills and I’m sure their masterclass from Angie Robertson helped them whilst still delivering their lines without hesitation.

 Kerri-Ann Lees gives initially a quietly caring performance as M’Lynn that is also poignant and moving. Her daughter Shelby, played by Livy Brooke is a strong and determined young lady willing to go to any lengths to satisfy her maternal instinct. Melanie King plays the totally believable, bizarre character Ouiser  with a quirky sense of humour. As Clairee, Sacha Walker brings the poise and elegance of an older woman who stays quietly in the background but is always ready with wise and appropriate advice.

A superb production excellently directed by Ellie and Mandy, the characters never losing their interaction even when not speaking and their southern American accents kept flawlessly throughout. A mix of comedy and emotion, this talented cast all gave outstanding performances. All very different characters, each with their own problems but the bond of friendship between them was so strong. The script is packed with comedy which was well delivered and the appreciative audience were kept well entertained. Having said that it is also an incredibly emotional piece of theatre creating tension and one could sense the genuine melancholy and sadness throughout the cast in the final scene.  

This was a production of women, by woman, for women and unashamedly so. The bond between them, all slowly overcoming their differences, intensifying throughout, leading to the climactic explosion of grief and pain over their loss. Superbly led by M’Lynn, a tear jerking and emotion led finale and as fine a piece of theatre that you will ever see.

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