Review by Paul Towers, 4/4/23
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Directed by Anthony Banks
Produced by Trafalgar Theatre Productions
At Curve til Saturday 8th April 2023
“the smart one-liners come thick and fast”
When Robert Harling’s beloved sister Susan died of diabetic complications in 1985 he started to write about the amazingly funny, strong women that surrounded him in Louisisana. Those stories became Steel Magnolias, first a play and then a film.
Annelle Dupuy (Elizabeth Ayodele) turns up at Truvy Jones’ (Lucy Speed) hair salon and quickly makes herself indispensable. The steady stream of clients include M’Lynn Eatenton (Laura Main), mother to Shelby (Diana Vickers). Clairee Belcher (Caroline Harker) is the always happy ex-Mayor’s widow. When Shelby has a hypoglycaemic episode it is this close knit band of friends who help her recover. Add into this mix the grumpy Ousier Boudreaux (Claire Carpenter in this run) and you have the six strong cast of this funny, warm, life affirming play.
While the deep south American accents take a little getting used to the smart one-liners come thick and fast, especially in the second half.
An ingenious set that changes swiftly to mark the passing of the seasons was designed by Laura Hopkins whilst the garish 1980’s costumes are down to Susan Kulkarni.
Stel Magnolias continues touring
https://steelmagnoliasplay.co.uk/
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