Producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward have announced 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 play the Playhouse – QPAC, Brisbane, from 30 April, Theatre Royal Sydney from 13 May, IMB Theatre – IPAC, Wollongong from 3 June, Canberra Theatre Centre from 17 June, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, from 7 July and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 23 July 2026.
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.
“Once upon a time I wished for the best cast ever for Steel Magnolias…. 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,” said director Lee Lewis.
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 will play the Playhouse – QPAC, Brisbane, from 30 April, Theatre Royal Sydney from 13 May, IMB Theatre – IPAC, Wollongong from 3 June, Canberra Theatre Centre from 17 June, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, from 7 July and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 23 July 2026. For more information, visit: www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au for details.
Image: Jessica Redmayne, Lisa McCune, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Belinda Giblin and Lotte Beckett to star in Steel Magnolias – photo by Benny Capp