ACT Review for Steel Magnolias

The Association for Community Theatre has released a glowing review for our performance of Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, the opening productuon of our centenary season. Thank you so much to ACT for the review and their ongoing support of our society. And most of all thank you to all the cast and crew who put in the work to pull off such a great production!

Continue below for a shorter (spoiler free) version, or read the full review here: https://actuk.org/2025/10/02/players-dramatic-society-4/

Steel Magnolias

Written by Robert Harling

Directed by Chris & Sophie Billington

“Robert Harling’s much-loved work introduces us to six women from the small Louisiana town of Chinquapin, who meet regularly at Truvy’s beauty salon.  This is no ordinary salon; it is a sanctuary where confidences are shared, gossip exchanged, recipes swapped, and life’s joys and sorrows analyzed. 

Most audiences will know the outline of the story, including its poignant ending, but it is also very funny.  The script is littered with one-liners, quips and comic retorts and the cast made the most of every opportunity.  Delivered in the southern drawl of the deep south, the timing was crisp and the laughter reverberated easily through the auditorium.”

“The set was a lovingly detailed representation of a 1980s beauty salon with pastel walls, black-and-white tiled floor, a sofa and styling chairs, and even a period hood hairdryer.  The accoutrements were in abundance with every surface dressed covered in sprays, rollers, bottles and all the paraphernalia of a hairdresser’s domain.  Costume and hair styling received meticulous attention to detail, echoing the beauty salon setting and engaging us in the world of the characters.”

“At the centre of it all was salon owner Truvy, played with bold and beautiful warmth by Alexandra Severn.  Complete with Dolly Parton hairdo, bright bows and clothes (I particularly loved the green jumpsuit) she breezed across the stage dispensing her wisdoms … with style and humour.  Her welcoming nature provided the perfect foil to Amy Butler’s Annelle, the shy newcomer whose vulnerability … was played with touching sincerity.  

“The role of Shelby, to some extent at the heart of the play, was brought to life by Sarah Morgan with sweet charm and positivity.   From the excitement of her wedding day … to her quiet defiance and stoicism in the face of her health struggles. Dawn Welsford as Shelby’s fiercely protective and loving mother, M’Lynn, chattered on about her useless husband, Drum…”  

“…The conversation in the salon flowed freely, with no topic off limits, offering the perfect opportunity for Gilly Thompson as the witty and worldly Clairee to hold court and Kathryn Way as the dog-loving, down-to-earth Ouiser to connect with her friends…”

“… we see Annelle blossom, finding her voice and holding her own against the banter. Together, this group of women created such an authentic and inviting world that the audience felt as though they too, were part of their inner circle.”

 “The lighting design was excellent and beautifully picked out the pastel colours of the set.  The “blackout” at the start of Act 1 Scene 2 was well judged, subtle enough for the emotive conversation between Shelby and M’Lynn and flickering perfectly back to life.”

“The rhythm of the play was handled with sensitivity and skill by directors Chris and Sophie Billington; at relatively short notice I believe.  All actors moved naturally around the salon, comfortably swapping places, greeting one another and always with an eye to the mirror when having their hair done.”

…   

“Yes, you may find yourself reaching for a tissue before the final curtain, but this is not a play of melancholy. It is uplifting and inspiring and a reminder of the extraordinary strength found in friendship, laughter, and the small rituals of everyday life.  This super production was not only a wonderful opening to the Society’s commemorative season, but a tribute to community theatre that brings us together, moves us and makes us laugh. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this play to the stage – whether you felt your contribution was large or small, rest assured, it made a difference.”

Read the full review here: https://actuk.org/2025/10/02/players-dramatic-society-4/