Some of Australia’s most recognisable and celebrated television actors are joining forces for the upcoming production of ‘Steel Magnolias’, produced by Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward.
Under the direction of Lee Lewis, this dazzling new Australian production brings together Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett, uniting on stage for one of theatre’s most cherished plays.
The timeless story of ‘Steel Magnolias’ is written by Robert Harling, and will tour to Brisbane, Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne throughout 2026.
Audiences will step into Truvy’s beauty salon, in the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles, and a little neighbourhood gossip. When tragedy strikes, it’s within these familiar walls that the women find comfort, support, and friendship to carry them through.
“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!!!!” Director Lee Lewis says.
“Yes, said my fairy godmother, you shall have a ball. 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.”
’Steel Magnolias’ originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988. The cast included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.
Steel Magnolias Australia 2026 Tour Dates
30 April-10 May – Queensland Performing Arts Centre
13-31 May – Theatre Royal (Sydney)
3-11 June – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
17-21 June – Canberra Theatre Centre
7-18 July – His Majesty’s Theatre (Perth)
23 July-9 August – Athenaeum Theatre (Melbourne)
