Steel Magnolias - The Alexandra, Birmingham

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Tue 21 Mar 2023 - Sat 25 Mar 2023

Steel Magnolias began as a short story penned by Robert Harling. It evolved into a play and was then transformed into an acclaimed film with an all-star cast that included Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah. Now it's back on stage and touring the UK, including a stint at The Alexandra in Birmingham until March 25, 2023.

The new version stars Laura Main , Lucy Speed , Caroline Harker , Diana Vickers , Elizabeth Ayodele and, on press night, Claire Carpenter . Set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, between 1983 and 1985, there is very little actual 'action'. Instead, the audience is invited to eavesdrop on the conversation and gossip, the laughter and tears, as the women share their news, their secrets and their feelings. The set, imaginatively designed by Laura Hopkins, is viewed from the front in the first half, then is rotated 180 degrees so we see it from the reverse angle.



Television regular Lucy Speed is salon owner Truvy Jones and her blonde wigs and sassy attitude remind us that the role was taken by Dolly Parton in the movie. She's the one with a heart of gold and lots of good advice and is the highlight of the ensemble cast.

Laura Main, as M'Lynn Eatenton, the mother of bride-to-be Shelby (Diana Vickers), also impresses, although after appearing in all 12 series of Call the Midwife she should be adept at knowing how to tug the heartstrings of an audience. Pop performer turned actor Diane Vickers is at the centre of the story, with her diabetes being the trigger for the narrative.



Another TV regular, Caroline Harker, is Clairee Belcher, the widow of the town's former mayor. She's a strong woman and even purchases the town's radio station despite saying she knows nothing about business. Her nemesis/ best friend is Ouiser Boudreaux (played in the movie by Shirley MacLaine and on stage by understudy Claire Carpenter). It's Ouiser who supplies the humour and is usually the butt of the joke.

Newcomer Elizabeth Ayodele is excellent as trainee hair stylist Annelle Dupuy, transforming from an eager-to-please employee to a confident wife and enthusiastic churchgoer.

Apart from Caroline Harker, each actor adopts a strong southern American accent, which is sometimes difficult to understand, especially when voices are lowered. Harling's script is beautifully crafted, with some very funny lines and many words of wisdom which are worth noting. Fortunately, I had seen the film on television a few days before going to the theatre so was able to recognise much of the shared dialogue, despite the broad accents. It pays to plan ahead!




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