In the welcoming surrounds of a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, six spirited women share laughter, heartache and the enduring bonds of friendship. The Guild Theatre Rockdale presents Steel Magnolias, a much-loved comedy-drama that will have you laughing through your tears.
About The Show – Steel Magnolias
What is this show about?
A delightful comedy/drama about the bond between a group of Southern Women in Louisiana.
In the warmth of a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, six strong-willed women gather to share laughter, secrets, and heartache. Steel Magnolias is a funny and moving celebration of friendship resilience, and the bonds that carry us through life’s joys and sorrows. With quick wit, sharp humour, and moments that will leave you misty-eyed, this timeless classic reminds us that strength can be delicate – and as enduring – as a magnolia blossom
How would you describe this show to someone who has never seen anything like it before?
The show is very moving and takes you for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You will find yourself smiling, laughing and relating to the characters. There is also some sadness.
Who is this show for? Who is going to have the time of their life?
The show is for everyone … but perfect for a girls night out.
What do you want the audience to feel in the final moment?
An acknowledgement of the power of female friendship.
Our thanks to the team at The Guild Theatre Rockdale. For those seeking a moving theatrical experience, whether for a girls’ night out or simply to celebrate the enduring strength found in connection, tickets can be reserved at the Guild Theatre website.
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. Tickets are now available from steelmagnoliasplay.com. “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. Tickets are on sale now from steelmagnoliasplay.com.
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. www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au
STEEL MAGNOLIAS By Robert Harling Director – Lee Lewis Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
SEASON DETAILS SYDNEY Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney Season: 13 – 30 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808
WOLLONGONG Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Season: 3 – 11 June Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999 Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999
CANBERRA Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre Season: 17 – 21 June Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700 Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727
PERTH Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Season: 7 – 18 July Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292 Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
MELBOURNE Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Season: 23 July – 9 August Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500 Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
Producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward today are thrilled to announce an all-star cast featuring some of the country’s most recognisable and celebrated television actors for the upcoming production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Under the direction of Lee Lewis, this dazzling new Australian production brings together an extraordinary ensemble led by Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett – a line up that reads like a who’s who of Australian television, now uniting on stage for one of theatre’s most cherished plays. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
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 Redmyane (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.
Director Lee Lewis said “Once upon a time I wished for the best cast ever for Steel Magnolias…. Lisa McCune! BRILLIANT! Belinda Giblin! LEGEND! Deborah Lawrence! FABULOUS! Mandy Bishop! OUTRAGEOUS! Jessica Redmayne! GORGEOUS! Lotte Beckett! PERFECT!!!! Yes, said my fairy godmother, you shall have a ball.”
Lewis continued, “Assembling a magic cast for this very special play has been a real joy. This story means so much to so many people and I can’t wait to bring everyone together to revisit all the love, laughter and tears that fill Truvy’s salon. A dream cast for a play that lives in all our dreams.”
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.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS By Robert Harling Director – Lee Lewis Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
SEASON DETAILS
BRISBANE Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC Season: 30 April – 10 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246 Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466
SYDNEY Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney Season: 13 – 31 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808
WOLLONGONG Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Season: 3 – 11 June Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999 Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999
CANBERRA Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre Season: 17 – 21 June Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700 Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727
PERTH Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Season: 7 – 18 July Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292 Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa. gov.au
MELBOURNE Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Season: 23 July – 9 August Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500 Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
The iconic story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women is back — live on stage in a dazzling new Australian production. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will come alive under the direction of Lee Lewis and a cast of six powerhouse actors. STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.
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.
“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Australian audiences,” said producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward. “The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”
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. The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.
Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS By Robert Harling Director – Lee Lewis Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
SEASON DETAILS
BRISBANE Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC Season: 30 April – 10 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: qpac.com.au Tickets on sale from 9am (Brisbane time) today
SYDNEY Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney Season: 13 – 31 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com Tickets on sale now
WOLLONGONG Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Season: 3 – 11 June Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: merrigong.com.au Tickets on sale now
CANBERRA Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre Season: 17 – 21 June Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au Presale from 25 November 10am, General Public sale from 26 November 10am
PERTH Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Season: 7 – 18 July Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au Tickets on sale from 10am (Perth time) today
MELBOURNE Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Season: 23 July – 9 August Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au Groups 20+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
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