Being one of the few people in the audience it seems to not have seen the original 1989 film of Steel Magnolias, I had no nostalgia to connect to the piece yet this didn’t do me a disservice. The stunning capsule set designed by Laura Hopkins is reminiscent of sitcom sets with a bold turquoise light surrounding the performance space and grand TV set lights illuminating the vast pieces of empty, black disused stage. Your focus is instantly directed to the 80’s style hair salon in which the entire piece is played.  

The piece is a snapshot into the lives of these six independent women and the hair salon, a perfect place for gossip and life updates. Thanks to the intricate stylings of Susan Kulkarni (costume) and Richard Mawbey (wigs), none of the actors resemble their pictures depicted on the front of the program, especially Lucy Speed who is unrecognisable as the salon owner, Truvy. Speed gives an incredible performance in the face of a number of unnecessary reminders of Dolly Parton who originated the role. The matriarchal figure brings a sense of love and second chances to her five peers as they each appear sharing a small window of their worlds with each other. Diana Vickers excels in the role of Shelby Eatenton, who is delicately witty and filled with nuance. Vickers is balanced well by her mother M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Laura Main. Main delivers the joys and frustrations of both friend and protector of her adult daughter.  

By the end of the first act, you want to call each and every one of the women on stage a friend, book an appointment and add your journey into the mix. Anthony Banks has captured the generosity and cattiness of female friendships and sets the pace expertly as you are lulled into a false sense of security. By Act Two, you are blubbing your eyes out as you are so invested, you can’t help but feel the emotions cascading from the stage.

A wonderful evening at the theatre and we strongly recommend you catch this at a venue near you.  

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden 

Steel Magnolias plays at The Alexandra until 25 March before continuing its tour until 22 April. Further information can be found here.