February 3, 2025
Actors brush up on their salon skills ahead of show
The cast of an upcoming comedy at the Little Theatre have been honing their hairdressing skills as well as their acting.
Steel Magnolias is the life-affirming, laugh-out-loud play famously made into a multi-award nominated film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly Parton.
In February (12-15) it is being staged by the Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CSODS) with a strong cast taking on the roles of a group of women at a Louisiana hair salon, charting their friendship as they journey through life’s ups and downs.
Briony Thompson plays Truvy, Lucy Connor is Shelby, Amanda Howell is Clairee), Hilary Lester is Ouiser , Nicola Gilbert is M’Lynn, and Daisy Wilson is Annelle.
Audiences will recognise famous lines such as: “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years,” and: “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.”
But as well as learning the scissor sharp lines in the script they have also been given a masterclass in hairdressing skills by stylist and fellow CSODs member Yvonne Kidd from the Panache salon in Cromer.
Director Kat Tindall said she is excited to be bringing the authentic and hilarious play to her favourite theatre, adding: “I absolutely loved the Steel Magnolias film, but it felt a touch schmaltzy for me.
“I ordered the play script and was immediately struck by the brilliant wit and musicality of the dialogue. Yes, this show has those heart-breaking moments, but it is also absolutely hilarious.
“You could be sitting listening to any group of friends chatting, laughing, gossiping… With six brilliantly defined characters, it felt like an absolute gift for the many talented female actors we have at CSODS and I wasn’t wrong.”
Steel Magnolias opens at Sheringham Little Theatre on Wed 12th February until Sat 15th February. Book tickets here or the box office 01263 822347