11 September 2012 - 22 September 2012
by Robert Harling, presented by Solar Theatre Productions.

THE FUNNIEST PLAY EVER TO MAKE YOU CRY…

Hollywood actress MISCHA BARTON (The Sixth Sense, The OC) makes her Irish stage debut as Shelby Eatenton, and ANNE CHARLESTON (Madge Bishop in Neighbours) plays Ouiser Boudreaux in this all-Ireland Stage Touring Premiere of STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Written by Robert Harling in memory of his beloved sister Susan, the stage play Steel Magnolias is the predecessor to the well-known and much loved 1980’s film. Set in Truvy’s exclusive Beauty Salon in the town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies irrespective of their age, come to have their hair and nails done, it tells a heart-warming tale of love, loss and the enduring bond of friendship.

Full of hilarious, wise-cracking repartée, the characters in this all-female play are witty, intelligent and real.  Annelle, who’s not sure if she’s still married, is the eager new assistant to the outspoken Truvy who dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon and dog-loving Ouiser (‘I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years’), eccentric millionaire Miss Clairee and the local socialite M’Lynn, whose pretty daughter Shelby (a diabetic) is about to get married.

Opening on Shelby’s wedding day, the play moves towards tragedy when she risks pregnancy and her life. The sudden realisation of their own mortality has a profound effect on all the women, but also draws on their underlying strength – love – which makes Steel Magnolias a play that is truly touching to behold.

A heart-warming and bittersweet comedy Steel Magnolias tells the story of six very special friends bonded together by mutual triumphs and tragedies. Sharing each other’s strength and loyalty, these remarkable women survive the cycles of life, birth and death to emerge stronger, closer and still laughing. Steel Magnolias is the funniest play ever to make you cry.

Book tickets here.