Steel Magnolias – the latest offering at ACT Hub in Kingston – reaffirms Free-Rain Theatre’s reputation for presenting local productions of outstanding quality.

Like the 1989 film with an all-star cast (Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine to name a few), the play is set in Chinquapin Parish, a small town in Louisiana in the US South. Unlike the film, the stage play features an ensemble cast of just the six central female characters, and all the action takes place in their favourite beauty salon, owned by the spirited Truvy Jones (Helen McFarlane).

It is a story of the bonds of female friendships and mother-daughter bonds, through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, till death us do part.

Skillfully directed by Anne Somes, our six Southern Belles are convincing in their roles: Helen McFarlane as long-time salon owner Truvy Jones; Jess Waterhouse as bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton; Victoria Tyrrell Dixon as her protective mother M’Lynn Eatenton; Katy Larkin as naive newcomer Annelle Dupuy-Desoto; Janie Lawson as wealthy widow of the town mayor Clairee Belcher; and Lainie Hart as the obstreperous twice-divorced, Ouiser Boudreaux.

Steel Magnolias is peppered with memorable quotes – such as, “I’m not crazy; I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years” (Ouiser) – which are expertly delivered by this talented cast.

Brimming with “unforgettable characters and heartwarming moments”, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry (or at the very least bring a tear to your eye). As Truvy Jones says “Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion” – and if it’s yours, too, you’ll love this production. 4.5 stars.

Free-Rain Theatre presents Steel Magnolias at ACT Hub, 10-20 May. Tickets: acthub.com.au/steel-magnolias