Theatre Review: Steel Magnolias

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2023 Touring Production of Steel Magnolias at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

In the early 90s I was obsessed with the tear-jerking film of the same name. Try watching Steel Magnolias and then Beaches and not shedding a single tear. It’s nigh on impossible unless you truly have a heart of stone. So I made sure to stuff a few tissues in my pocket before this opening night performance at the Alex.

Written by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias was created as a way of helping him through the grief of losing his own sister to type 1 diabetes, an illness which runs through the heart of this play. The 1989 screen adaptation starred Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton among others, and launched the career of Julia Roberts as Shelby. This is the perfect example of a play which showcases women, and has some wonderful roles for older female performers.

Truvy’s beauty salon is the place to get a blow-dry, local gossip and valuable life advice, all at the same time. Salon boss Truvy (Lucy Speed) has taken shy newcomer Annelle (Elizabeth Ayodele) under her wing and introduces her to the women that make up their local smalltown Louisiana community. Clairee (Caroline Harker), a wealthy widow. Effervescent bride-to-be Shelby (Diana Vickers) and her anxious mother M’Lynn (Laura Main). And the prickly but brutally straight-talking Ouiser (Harriet Thorp, played by Claire Carpenter at this performance).

Completely set within the walls of the salon, we first meet the group on the morning of Shelby’s wedding to Jackson. The story spans three years, with the women regularly gathering to complain, celebrate, contemplate and commiserate. Despite the wide age range, they are a close knit group, sharing their stories and offering advice. As well as friendships, we also get to explore the mother-daughter dynamic between Shelby and M’Lynn.

The term “Steel Magnolias” refers to the women being as tough as steel, but as fragrant as the magnolia – the Louisiana state flower. And it’s a strong and sassy cast, with plenty of recognisable faces. The characters are warm and engaging, with hearts as big as their hairdos. Lucy Speed puts in a wonderful performance as the irrepressible Truvy, the glue that holds the group together. Diana Vickers shines as Shelby. And Laura Main displays a full range of emotions throughout the play, leading up to the poignant final moments.

The single wooden panelled set, designed by Laura Hopkins, means that the audience are wholly focused on the performers. The staging is reversed in the second act, giving a fresh perspective on the same scene. The Dolly Parton memorabilia is a nod to the movie, where Dolly herself plays the part of Truvy (who is, essentially, Dolly Parton). The outfits and wigs are marvellous, with subtle changes to denote the passing of time.

The cast (mostly) tackle the deep south accent with grace and charm, with Lucy Speed in particular delivering iconic lines in a splendid drawl. Sadly one of the actors seemed to give up on her accent entirely in the second act, and the “posh English woman” seemed a little incongruous with the Louisiana small town setting.

It’s a very talky play, so if you’re expecting action and non-stop drama then you may be disappointed. Instead, the audience are invited to share in the deepest darkest secrets and confessions, as if we are occupying a vacant chair in that salon. Despite my fears of an emotional outpouring, the play doesn’t quite hit the same raw nerve as the movie. Meaning no tears from me this time round.

The play may be set in the 1980s, but the story is timeless with themes that resonate today. I wanted to come straight out of the theatre and message all my best female friends to tell them how special they are. The play is a love-letter to sisterhood, solidarity, and the resilience of women.

Steel Magnolias is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 25th March 2023. Purchase your tickets here. The UK Tour continues until April 2023; for a full list of dates, visit the Steel Magnolias Play official website.