★★★★★
Steel Magnolias was first brought to life as a play by Robert Harling in 1987 in the US, inspired by the death of his sister from Type 1 diabetes. It was then turned into a movie in 1989 starring huge names like Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, and now lives on in 2026 in a national tour thanks to Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions.
The production boasts a quality lineup, with Lisa McCune (M’Lynn), Belinda Giblin (Ouiser), Tracy Mann (Clairee), Mandy Bishop (Truvy), Jessica Redmayne (Shelby) and Lotte Beckett (Annelle) all starring.
As a result of this well-respected cast, I was excited to see it, despite not having seen the movie nor the play. So what did I think when I attended the opening night of this internationally toured play? You’ll have to read on to find out!
At first glance, I was impressed with the ease with which the performers were able to convincingly portray six women in a small-town Louisiana community. The acting is top-notch, convincing and heartfelt, and I quickly became invested in their bond.
Acted out using a single set at Truvy’s salon, it was incredible to witness the depth of emotions and resilience the performers conveyed. The audience was delighted with the cast too, laughing merrily at the slew of comical moments, but also brought to tears when the storyline became more sombre.
Although all the performances are amazing, I was particularly enamoured with Lisa McCune and Jessica Redmayne. As Shelby’s mother, McCune delivers a performance that is incredibly moving. Redmayne shines and is truly effervescent as the bubbly, beloved Shelby.
The acting definitely doesn’t disappoint, and the six women rapidly fire comedic lines and witticisms with aplomb.
As well as the stellar acting, there is much to recommend the play, and, in fact, no strong criticisms I could find. The stage design by Simone Romaniuk (also responsible for costuming) is really good, especially since there is only one set used, with changes made to signal the passing of time.
While I’m usually entranced by costumes, being a fashion lover, I was so immersed in the storyline that I didn’t notice them as much. However, Bishop’s character Truvy, in particular, has some great outfits, befitting her bubbly character.
The other costumes are also in line with the 1980s Southern setting, and do a great job of representing the characters’ diverse personalities.
Is the play true to the original play or the movie? As I said, I haven’t seen them, but I’m pleased that the all-female, one-set format has been retained from the original Off-Broadway production.
It’s wonderful to see a story about women, showing the connection, love and friendship that’s shared during good times and bad. Also, Nicole Kidman made her professional stage debut when it first played in Australia as Shelby, so the message not only appears to be enduring, but also littered with well-respected names.
Would I recommend Steel Magnolias? Yes, I would. I love the concept that the characters are “as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel,” but I also love this specific production. While there have been 39 years between Robert Harling penning it and now, the strength of women and female companionship feels as relevant in Western Australia in 2026 as it did then.
Make sure you support Australian theatre and buy tickets to this excellent production. As they say in Steel Magnolias, laughter through tears is my favourite emotion.
Steel Magnolias is presented by Woodward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions and runs to 18 July at His Majesty’s Theatre. 827-905 Hay Street Perth WA 6000.
Tickets are available here.
Website: http://www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/steelmagnoliasau/
Photo credits: Brett Boardman
2026 Remaining Australian Tour Dates:
Perth 7 – 18 July, His Majesty’s Theatre
Melbourne 23 July – 16 August Athenaeum Theatre
