Steel Magnolias

Chinquapin, the setting of Steel Magnolias, is a fictional country town, based on Natchitoches, Louisiana, a town of 18 thousand people, known for its lovely river, hospitality and relaxed lifestyle. Northam, WA is only a third the size, but could be described in a very similar way, and is an excellent setting for this well-known Robert Harling play.

The action of Steel Magnolias takes place in Truvy’s beauty salon, a home away from home and women’s only sanctuary, where our characters meet over a couple of years; we watch their lives change for better and worse and experience a strong sisterhood of support and love.

Truvy’s salon is beautifully realised on the Link Theatre’s nice wide stage, on a set credited to family and friends - with lovely attention to detail. Ike Johnston provides empathetic lighting while controlling a complex and well-executed sound plot. Fashion of the 1980s, nicely chosen for each character (co-ordinated by Elizabeth Greep and Rae Knight), helps to recreate the era.

This is a solid ensemble, who, like their characters, appear to have strong friendships and camaraderie. Brooke Vincent is lovely as newcomer Annelle, who shows a believable journey from scared teenager to a confident assured young woman. She works very nicely with Theresa Lee as the motherly and tactful Truvy, who provides a lovely anchor point for this production. Elizabeth Greep gives Claire Belcher class with sass, in a well-timed performance, balanced nicely with Peta Newbound’s angry but very funny Ouiser Boudreaux. Rhonda Oliver, who, to her credit, is performing with a broken foot (which we forget about most of the time) has the lion’s share of the emotional labour, as M’Lynn, which she handles convincingly and with depth. Sharon Pegrum is a likeable and realistic Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, with whom the audience bond well.

Lea McCall, new to Northam Theatre Group from Albany, is obviously a sensitive and talented director who guides her cast and audience well to experience Truvy’s favourite emotion, “laughter through tears”. On the night I saw it there were a couple of line flubs and prompts, quickly resolved and very forgivable in a tricky show, which on the whole was very impressive.

Highly recommended for everyone in the greater Northam area, and well worth the drive from Perth for those who are fans of this modern classic, or who appreciate good female theatre.

Kimberley Shaw