theatre company

 'Steel Magnolias'

October 2008
Lodeside Hall, Soham Village College - 7.30pm

 Review

Following on from the highly successful Blithe Spirit, Viva Theatre Groups latest outing tells the tale of six women working and frequenting Truvy's hairdressing salon. The story explores the loves, lives and losses of six Southern women of different ages, fortunes and temperaments, united by a feisty self-confidence, irrepressible humour, and steely fortitude in the face of life's setbacks. The plot's main thrust deals with diabetic Shelby's determination to have a baby, against the wishes of her mother. The trailer for the feature film of this play is tagged "the funniest movie ever to make you cry". That tagline is a fair description of this tale, which makes a shameless bid for your heart, aiming to have you smiling one moment, crying the next.

Diabetic Shelby was played by the wonderful Kirsten Green, yet again delivering an exceptional performance for this rapidly maturing theatre group. Another Viva Stalwart, Sarah Dowd, this time also acting as Director, played the brash Ouiser. From her first entrance, Sarah's performance as the terminal sourpuss was captivating.

The role of Truvy, owner of the beauticians, was taken by Sarah Robinson. Sarah looked very much the part and gave a very strong performance - she was perfect for the role. Clairee, acted by Ann Pallett similarly delivered some scene stealing lines with much panache.

Meanwhile, Pam Harris as Shelby's self-sacrificing mother, M'Lynn, gave a solid performance, with her soul-searching speech in the last act really touching the heart.

For me though, the performance of the night was by Esther Hiller, as junior hairdresser Annelle. Esther is clearly a very fine character actress. worth watching time and time again. Esther should be very very proud of what she achieved with this role.

The set was a sumptuous marshmallow pink. So much pink paint was used that I am sure many six year old girls will not be getting the barbie pink bedroom of their dreams until stocks are restored. The well made set was perfect for this play and the set designers and builders are to be congratulated.

Overall this was a good production with solid performances all round, including some exceptional ones.

Well done Viva - yet again!

Keith Gallois

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