Steel Magnolias
Information
- Date
- 27th October 2012
- Society
- Bath Operatic & Dramatic Society
- Venue
- The Rondo Theatre, Bath
- Type of Production
- Drama
- Director
- Juliette Coad
This is a great show for a small company, achingly sad with huge scope for those performing in it. BODS have created some really successful small scale productions over the years and this is absolutely no exception.
Directed by Juliette Coad, this wonderful script is in highly capable hands, Emma Puddick is utterly convincing as Truvy Jones, running the beauty parlour that is the heart of this small community. Whilst looking perfect as a southern belle, she holds the key to the great rapport that this company has.
The relationships between the characters is excellent, they laugh, cry and exchange idle gossip as if long time companions and it is this chemistry that allows the production to follow its tragic line with such conviction.
Lindsay Orchard as young Shelby and Anna Chippendale – Budd as her mother, M’lynn form a great bond from the outset their central storyline drives the narrative, the ripples from their lives impact on all of those around them and the change in mood from the opening through to the final scene was deftly handled.
Both Jen Gray as Clairee and Rebecca McCullough as Annelle provided great support and detailed characterisations bringing life and fun into the vibrant parlour; much fun is also gained at the expense of the ever grumpy and much maligned Ouiser (Dominique Mcneil). The difficult accents on the whole were secure, whilst hair and make up alongside costumes were highly successful (Gail Hall, Jenny Bright and Carol Norton).
This was a well directed production with an excellent set, designed with detailed and coordinated props. The work and effort reflected many hours of effort and hard work, lighting and sound effects were also used effectively (Andy Wale and Anthony Sanchez-Harris).
Sometimes it is disappointing to see this level of work and quality of production and performance so poorly attended. The artistic success of this show must not be marred by ticket sales as it is hard to imagine that each night would have been so empty given the huge membership of the company. I do hope that other performances were supported better as some of the work achieved in smaller venues are vital in allowing members to be challenged, audiences to be entertained and in turn keeping such big societies in business and viable in The Theatre Royal and into the future
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