News

Steel Magnolias Opens in Sydney Tomorrow

After a hugely successful Brisbane season, the play that inspired the iconic film, Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney tomorrow.

This beloved Southern classic features an extraordinary line up of Australian TV royalty starring Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett.

A Heartwarming Star-Studded Triumph – The Scoop

Unforgettable. When Australian theatre gets the casting right, trusts the material and lets the performances breathe, it doesn’t need gimmicks. – The Courier Mail

A Joy to Behold”- Stage Whispers

Six Actresses at the Peak of their Powers- Absolute Theatre

Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney from 13 May 2026, before heading to Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.

 

 

In the role of M’Lynn is Gold Logie winner and leading lady of stage and screen Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, The 39 Steps) joined by Home and Away icons, Belinda Giblin (Amadeus, Doubt) as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol) as Clairee.

Acclaimed performer Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers) plays Truvy while current Home and Away star Jessica Redmayne (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.

 

 

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

 

 

Steel Magnolias originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.


Season Details

Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Date: 13 – 30 May 2026

For more information click HERE

Photo Credit: BrettBoardman

Aussie Theatre

Recent Posts

Uncle Fester’s earnest heart: Evan Lever on THE ADDAMS FAMILY

The Addams Family has endured for generations by holding two things in tension: it's a…

1 day ago

When Full Houses Are Not Enough, Broadway Has a Bigger Problem

The early closure of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL is not evidence that audiences have abandoned…

1 day ago

Nicholas Bailey & Susan Penhaligon To Star In The 75th Anniversary UK Tour Of Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP

Producer, Brian Fenty, is delighted to announce that Nicholas Bailey and Susan Penhaligon will star…

2 days ago

‘Hadestown’ Welcomes Kelly Belarmino, KC Dela Cruz and Khori Michelle Petinaud as New Fates

Broadway’s Hadestown has introduced a new trio of Fates, with Kelly Belarmino, KC Dela Cruz…

2 days ago

Bill Pullman Returns to the Stage for RSC’s THE CHERRY ORCHARD

Veteran Hollywood actor Bill Pullman is returning to the theatre for the first time in…

2 days ago

Testimony, Myth, and Survival: Rajan Velu on THE JUNGLE AND THE SEA

The Jungle and the Sea traces one family's journey through Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war,…

2 days ago