At Sydney’s historic Theatre Royal, opening night of Steel Magnolias delivered exactly what generations of audiences have loved about the classic – sharp wit, big hair and even bigger heart.
This dazzling new Australian production strips the story back to what has always made it endure: friendship. Set inside Truvy’s beauty salon in a small Southern town, the play follows a tight-knit group of women navigating life’s celebrations and heartbreaks – weddings, babies, gossip, grief and everything in between – all while serving perfectly coiffed hair and perfectly timed one-liners.
The cast is stacked with Australian stage and screen royalty. Lisa McCune (4 x Gold Logie winner) brings warmth and quiet strength to M’Lynn, while Belinda Giblin (Sons And Daughters) absolutely steals moments as the gloriously sharp-tongued Ouiser. Debra Lawrance (Pippa on Home & Away) radiates charisma as Clairee, with Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue) giving Truvy the perfect mix of sass and heart. Jessica Redmayne (Home & Away) shines as Shelby, bringing youthful vulnerability to the role, while newcomer Lotte Beckett is a standout as Annelle.
What makes Steel Magnolias resonate so deeply with queer audiences is its understanding of chosen family. These women read each other to filth one moment and hold each other together the next. The humour is camp without trying to be, the dialogue endlessly quotable, and beneath all the Southern charm is a deeply moving story about resilience, loss and unconditional love.
And yes – the audience erupted at the iconic lines.
“Her colours are pink and pink.”
“My colours are blush and bashful.”
For me, the night carried an extra emotional layer. Years ago, over coffee, our dear friend Maxi Shield was quoting Steel Magnolias and was horrified when I admitted I’d never seen it. “WTF Joelene!” she laughed. The next time I saw her, she said “Here ya go!” – she had gone and bought me a copy on DVD. She was right – it was brilliant.
Years later, Maxi used sound bites from the film in a production show that Sean and I choreographed for her, Coco Jumbo and Carmen Geddit.
Sitting inside the Theatre Royal, hearing those famous lines echo through the auditorium, I couldn’t help but wish she was there beside me, chuckling along with those brilliant Southern belles.
Funny, heartfelt and beautifully acted, Steel Magnolias remains a timeless reminder that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it arrives with big hair, biting humour and a beauty salon full of women refusing to let each other fall.
Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.
