The Lowry, Salford – until 25th February 2023
Reviewed by Jen Hughes
4*****
The biggest secrets shared, and the telling of neighbourhood gossip , wrapped up in a 1980’s perm-tastic explosion ….. is everything you need to know about this Robery Harling classic, directed by Anthony Banks. Ten minutes in, and I wasn’t sure if I’d stepped back into the set of the Dolly Parton Louisiana hit, or if ITV’S Loose Women were doing a Southern Belle Special – the flow of conversation and content was that good, that emotive and that kind of cup of coffee chit chat humor! Interestingly, not much changes in terms of the set, other than a clever reversal of the stage salon and the funky 80’s neon lights, but that compliments perfectly the fact that the audience attention is firmly fixed on the enthralling conversation and one liners which were delivered perfectly by the amazing cast. Lucy Speed as the blonde bombshell Truvy Jones was Dolly Parton reincarnated . She walked like her and talked like her, so much so, I’m pretty sure she would sing like her if production allowed.
The chemistry between the women ensured that comedy timing was delivered effortlessly, every blue lined eye roll, every shoulder padded shrug and every shake of a permed bouffant represented true friendship. Truvy’s salon is a safe space for the six strong female characters to show their vulnerabilities. Their transformations are not only cosmetic, they are meaningful and poignant in terms of the challenges women face both then and now. In a clear stand out moment, Laura Main’s delivery of M’lynn Eatenton’s monologue, depicting a mothers heartache, was hard hitting and full of passion. Some real gritty, emotive topics are covered in this play and then instantly blown away by a genius comedy one liner, very much like the juxtaposition of its Steel Magnolias title, something hard and strong yet so delicate and short living.
This play is a real easy watch, it’s like being a fly on the wall behind the mirror of a tight community salon. A perfect night out and a fun trip down 1980’s memory lane.