21 Feb 2024
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day in March, the Company of Ten is staging Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. The story, best known for its 1989 film adaptation staring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, centres around the lives of six women across generations as their lives intersect in the town salon.
Beautician Truvy runs her home salon to perfection and it is the hub of social life in Chinquapin, Louisiana. New recruit, Annelle shows promise but is harbouring a dark past which the regular customers can’t wait to unpack. They are joined by M’Lynn and Shelby who are getting ready for Shelby’s wedding and plans for the future are their top priority. Regular customers, Louisa “Ouiser”, the town grouch and her best friend, former town first lady Clairee, make up the group.
The play is a beautiful exploration over three years of family relationships, friendships and resilience. Touching on themes of abuse, health and faith, it navigates these difficult subjects, focusing on the importance of friends and family in rebuilding and moving forward in life.
“The play itself manages to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking – and very funny! At its heart it is a play about women and our relationships – with our friends, our families, our mothers, our children, our community, and how they nurture and support us. While it is a play about women, it is certainly not just for women It is a true ensemble piece, and the relationships they have built are wonderful to see both on and off stage. I am honestly so excited to share this one with St Albans,” said director, Jenny Kilcast.
Once again the team behind the scenes at the Abbey Theatre has been hard at work and the transformation of the main stage, most recently seen as Narnia and wartime Garmouth, is a work of art as a bright, bustling salon, complete with wash basins, genuine chairs and hairdressing equipment. The cast has also been taking lessons in hairdressing and beauty techniques to ensure a high quality production.
Performances take place on the Abbey Theatre Main Stage:
Friday-Saturday March 1-2, 8pm
Sunday March 3, 2:30pm
Tuesday-Saturday March 5-9, 8pm
To book tickets please go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861
