Some stories stay with you long after you first meet the characters. Steel Magnolias is one of those — the kind people quote, revisit, and recommend to friends years later. Now, the much-loved story is returning to the stage, with a limited Brisbane season opening soon at QPAC.
For a short run from late April, the Playhouse Theatre will become home to Truvy’s beauty salon — the setting where six women gather to share news, swap stories and support each other through life’s biggest moments. It’s a story built around friendship, family, resilience and the bonds that form in everyday places.
Written by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias has been part of popular culture for decades, finding a wide audience through both stage productions and the well-known film adaptation. The story follows a close-knit group of women navigating everything from weddings and new beginnings to the challenges that test even the strongest friendships. Much of the action unfolds inside the salon itself — a familiar, welcoming space where conversation flows as freely as hairspray.
This new Australian production is directed by Lee Lewis and brings together a cast of well-known names from Australian television and theatre. The Brisbane season features Lisa McCune in the role of M’Lynn, alongside Belinda Giblin as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance as Clairee. Mandy Bishop takes on the role of Truvy, with Jessica Redmayne playing Shelby and Lotte Beckett appearing as Annelle. Together, the six actors step into roles that have become widely recognised since the story first premiered.
While the production will travel to several cities around the country later in the year, Brisbane audiences will be the first to see it, with the season running for just under two weeks. That short window makes it one of those theatre events that rewards a bit of forward planning — especially for those who enjoy seeing familiar stories brought to life in a live setting.
The play itself has a long history in Australia. It was first staged locally in 1988, introducing audiences to characters who have remained part of theatre culture ever since. Nearly four decades later, the return of Steel Magnolias offers a chance to revisit that world — or experience it for the first time — in a live theatre environment.
Whether you know the story well or have only heard about it in passing, this Brisbane season offers an opportunity to see a well-known title take its place on stage again, right here at QPAC — but only for a limited time.
WHAT: Steel Magnolias
WHEN: 30 April – 10 May 2026
WHERE: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
TICKETS: From $89. Get your tickets to Steel Magnolias here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
