The hysterical and heart-warming Steel Magnolias has brought a perfect mix of laughter, tears...and gossip to the stage at The Alexandra.
Following the trials and tribulations of six fierce and sassy women, the show sees them set the world to rights in their small-town bustling beauty salon. Steel Magnolias showing what friendship and laughter really means.
Based on the uplifting and inspiring film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, this production has a stellar cast including Laura Main (Call the Midwife) and Diana Vickers (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) as a mother and daughter duo; M'Lynne and Shelby. Shelby is seen getting married and becoming pregnant, against the advice of her doctor and through a handful of other issues that come to light, we don't see the show end on the positive note that many of its contemporaries may do. taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, both Main and Vickers should be commended for outstanding performances.
Lucy Speed (The Bill) brings us continuity throughout the piece, almost narrating proceedings to some extent. Speed is, quite simply, brilliant with a number of great one-liners and, as the owner of the salon the piece is set in, a hint of control - guiding the audience through the show and directing proceedings.
It's also prudent to mention the staging and the simplicity of the set. Showcasing the salon interior, the only real change to the visual is a switch in orientation at the interval. However the beauty lies in the simplicity. This production, at least in part, aims to give a rare glimpse into a safe-space for the female protagonists to let their hair down and gossip. There's no need for elaborate sections of set to fly in or manic lighting patterns to throw colours around.
Steel Magnolias gives our six leads the perfect platform to showcase their talent and allow the audience into their world - something that's done perfectly.
Steel Magnolias plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 25 March. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
