Triumph and tragedy of life

Last updated 11:22, Friday, 14 November 2008

THERE’LL be laughter and tears when the bittersweet comedy Steel Magnolias is performed at Rosehill Theatre.

Staged by Rosehill Players, it runs from Wednesday to Saturday next week, all at 7.30pm.

Written by Robert Harling and first performed in New York in 1987, it tells the story of six friends bonded together by mutual triumphs and tragedies.

Characters include the beautiful and impulsive Shelby, played by Cory Spedding; her strong-willed mother M’Lynn, played by Maria Morton; beauty parlour owner Truvy, played by Vanessa Cowley and elegant wealthy widow Clairee, played by Pauline Robertson. Sharp tongued Ouiser, played by Sue Stokes and mousey newcomer Annelle, played by Tracy McOuat complete the formidable unit. Sharing each other’s strength and loyalty, these six remarkable women survive the cycles of life, birth and death to emerge closer and still laughing.

The show is being directed by Judith Henderson. She said: “The cast have to contend with actually washing, rollering, setting hair and carrying out manicures. The timing is crucial but the cast are coping well, their characterisations are wonderful and the audience are in for a real treat.”

Stage manager Willy Dodd designed the set which has to convincingly portray a 1980s working beauty salon.

Tony Roberts the group’s production manager, said: “The play is demanding our highly-skilled actors to yet again raise the quality of their performances as they breathe jaw-aching humour and tear searching drama into this wonderful play.”

Tickets £7/£6. Call 01946 692422.