Lyceum Theatre Sheffield – until 4th February 2023
Reviewed by Carol Crann
4****
Steel Magnolias opens with an accurate recreation of a hair salon in the 80s, complete with furniture and posters reminiscent of the era. It was designed in such a way as to include the audience in the performance, and for that reason made them feel immediately invested in the dialogue that was taking place on stage.
We see six friends, who all have strong characters independently, but together they interact on a level that gives an excellent understanding of what it was like to live and work in small town America.
In terms of the dialogue, it’s the one-liners that stand out. Throughout the show they are expertly delivered by the all the cast, whether via a playful observation or a sarcastic put-down – each strikes the exact chord you feel it should.
Performance-wise, the optimism of youth from Shelby (Diane Vickers) provides a sharp contrast with the often jaded and acerbic asides from Harriet Thorpe’s Ouiser Boudreaux. Shelby’s Mum, M’Lynn, is played brilliantly by Laura Main, who manages to portray perfectly both the strength and vulnerability needed when dealing with the twists and turns that her life takes. And in Truvy, the hairdresser, Lucy Speed showcases her role as the glue that holds the friendship group together.
As an ensemble they show a real insight into how women interact, and in turn support each other.
The strong bond between the friends becomes more and more apparent as the play evolves and their lives move on, and – with a lovely blend of humour and emotion – it really is a heart-warming tale of friendship and support.
Steel Magnolias has a feel-good factor that I thoroughly enjoyed, and it was evident that the rest of the audience agreed. I’d highly recommend you give the Lyceum a visit for this one