STEEL Magnolias by Robert Harling has been chosen by Loddon Players for their spring production.

It will be staged in Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall from Thursday May 2 to Saturday May 4.

Chris Horton, the director, says: “Hilarious and touching, this play for six women is set in a beauty parlour somewhere in Louisiana.  Through four scenes spanning three years, Clairee, Ouiser, M’Lynn and Shelby – Truvy’s regular customers – and Annelle, her eager but inexperienced assistant engage,  in small-town gossip, running the gamut of the life cycle."

First produced in New York in 1987, Steel Magnolias ran successfully at London’s Lyric theatre in 1989, the same year as the film was released starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine and Oscar nominated Julia Roberts. 

Chris added: "As well as Loddon regulars Jo Long and Margot Konitzer, I’ve been able to cast Carolyn  Miles (who made a brief appearance in our last production Joking Apart) as well as newcomers Emily Browne, Maggie Browne and Pat Archer.”