A major new Australian production of Steel Magnolias is heading to Melbourne this winter, with the beloved theatre classic set to take over the Athenaeum Theatre from 23 July to 9 August 2026.
Directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Lee Lewis, the production brings together an all-star cast packed with some of Australia’s most recognisable stage and television names. Leading the ensemble is Lisa McCune in the role of M’Lynn, joined by Belinda Giblin as Ouiser, Debra Lawrance as Clairee, Mandy Bishop as Truvy, Jessica Redmayne as Shelby and newcomer Lotte Beckett as Annelle.
Written by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias remains one of theatre’s most enduring stories, centred around the women who gather inside a small-town beauty salon in the American South. Across weddings, heartbreak, family struggles and loss, the play explores friendship, resilience and community through warmth, humour and emotional honesty.
Melbourne audiences have a long connection to the production. The play famously toured to the Athenaeum Theatre in 1988 following its original Australian season in Sydney, with that cast featuring Nicole Kidman in her professional stage debut.
Director Lee Lewis said assembling the cast for the new production had been a dream.
“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!!!! 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.”
Tickets for the Melbourne season are on sale now via http://www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au/
