There has been a theory knocking about that there are no great parts for older female actors being written. Well, that’s not quite true is it. Because, even if “Steel Magnolias” was written in the 1980’s the story is timeless and each of the six characters offer are, in their own way great, from Annelle with her mysterious past to Ouiser Boudreaux who is larger than life and an open book.
Author Robert Harling based each of the six characters on people he grew up with. It must have been like growing up on the set of “The Golden Girls” with all the zinging one liners and “girl talk” he has recalled. Set in the hair salon owned by Truvey Jones, at the heart of the story are Shelby and her mother M’Lynn what happens to them during the two years of the story and the friendship of the other regulars at the salon who are all steel magnolias by virtue of being as tough as steel but as fragrant as the Louisiana state flower.
For the performer, these are great parts full of love, humour and grit and each of the performers in this newly revived production clearly relish the opportunity to bring their character to life. Being set in the southern state there are a lot of deep south accents flying round and whilst most of the time they are studied and disciplined, they are all played on one level which results in a shrill whine being delivered to the audience. It is mercifully broken when Harriet Thorpe joins the action as Ouise Boudreaux and splendidly delivers an accent which is accurate and at a different pitch, most welcome to my ears!!
A moment to praise the set which undergoes a change indicating that good money has been spent on this production. Laura Hopkins design really did add to the performance.
The almost full first night (at the Lowry) audience really loved this play. It’s just the sort of play to encourage us back to live theatre.
Until Saturday 25th at the Lowry, then tours to Brighton, Southend, Birmingham, High Wycombe, Leicester and Cardiff. https://thelowry.com/whats-on/steel-magnolias/
Reviewer: Philip Edwards
Reviewed: 21st February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★