Steel Magnolias: Stepping Back Into 80's Louisiana in Cardiff

*This post is a review as part of a pr invite. See the end of the post for more details.

I have not been to watch a play in years. I honestly can't even remember the last one I went to watch in a good old-style theatre. Recently though, I got the chance to go and review one of the most talked about shows in Cardiff right now - Steel Magnolias. 

I didn't realise that this play, which was created by Robert Harling, was turned into a film in the late eighties where the cast included Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton. An all-star cast in the film who were perfectly replicated in the play at the New Theatre in Cardiff. 

What's the storyline of Steel Magnolias? 

The plotline for Steel Magnolias focuses on the trials and tribulations of six fierce and sassy women in a Louisiana hairdressing salon in the eighties. The main story throughout the play is the bride-to-be Shelby (Diana Vickers) and her mother M'Lynn (Laura Main) and Shelby's upcoming wedding. It is discovered during the play that Shelby is a type-one diabetic and is told by doctors that she can't have children as it's not safe to because of her health. 

They head to Truvy Jones' (Lucy Speed) hair salon to have their hair done for the day of the wedding. New hairdresser Annelle (Elizabeth Ayodele) helps with the bride's mother's hair while Clairee (Caroline Harked) and town grouch Ouiser (Harriet Thorpe) stand by giving their views and offering funny quips. It's safe to say that the salon is a safe haven and support network for all these ladies. Similar to how I feel about my own hairdressers! 

The play moves through two years of their lives as we see Shelby become pregnant (with M'Lynn worried about her daughter and her health) and eventually become a mother. 

I won't give too much away as the end is something I wasn't expecting and it had me in tears.

What are your thoughts on Steel Magnolias? 

I absolutely loved the play. The one-liners were just geniously funny - some of which I will be using daily from now on! The whole play will have you in fits of laughter one minute and the next you'll be crying buckets. The sparks of humour which were added in during the sad moments were just beautiful. The dialogue was wonderful and the southern accents were bang on point. 

One thing I loved was the little touches in the salon. The photos of Dolly Parton, the hairdressing posters and how the set changed halfway through the show so we can see all aspects of the salon. The costumes screamed 1980's which is what I loved, some pieces I wouldn't mind for myself!

The actresses were brilliant. A big shoutout in particular to Laura Main who played M'Lynn had me in tears at the end with her heart-wrenching speech. I could always tell what she was thinking throughout the play, especially with her daughter's health. As someone with a chronic illness, I could feel her pain as my Mam has gone through it with me. 

Steel Magnolias is marvellously funny, fast-paced and beautifully written. A play which I would go and see again if it ever came back to Cardiff!

How do I get tickets for Steel Magnolias? 

Steel Magnolias is in the New Theatre in Cardiff until 22nd April and tickets are still available to purchase here! 

Let me know your thoughts on my review of Steel Magnolias! 

*I was sent complimentary tickets to watch the play in exchange for a review. All play views are my own. For more information, please read my disclaimer. Thank you for your support!