The iconic story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women is back — live on stage in a dazzling new Australian production. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will come alive under the direction of Lee Lewis and a cast of six powerhouse actors.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.
Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.
Neil Gooding and Alex Woodword said:
“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Australian audiences.
The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”
STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.
The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS is written by Robert Harling and directed by Lee Lewis. Composer & Sound Designer will be Brady Watkins. Produced by Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions by Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company.
Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS runs from 30 April at the Playhouse, QPAC and then tours nationally. See details below.
Tickets for Brisbane are on sale from 9am today. See website for all other cities.
Tickets: https://www.steelmagnoliasplay.com/tickets
Website: http://www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/steelmagnoliasau/
Image supplied.
2026 Australian Tour
Brisbane 30 April – 10 May, Playhouse QPAC
Sydney 13 – 31 May, Theatre Royal
Wollongong 3 – 11 June, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Canberra 17 – 21 June, Canberra Theatre Centre
Perth 7 – 18 July, His Majesty’s Theatre
Melbourne 23 July – 9 August Athenaeum Theatre
