SIX women gossiping in a hair salon. No, not a male nightmare but the Loddon Players’ production of Steel Magnolias at Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall.

The play centred on a group of six women who are as ‘delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel’ and battle hardship with a humour that ultimately strengthens their bond.

The action took place in a Louisiana salon, owned by Truvy (Carolyn Miles) over a period of around two years. Truvy, along with new assistant Annelle (Emily Browne), was visited by regular customers M’Lynn (Jo Long), her daughter Shelby (Maggie Browne) along with Clairee (Margot Konitzer) and Ouiser (Pat Archer).

The action began on the morning of Shelby’s wedding where her Diabetes caused her to pass out. Months later came the news that Shelby was pregnant, a worry to M’Lynn, who feared her body would be unable to cope.

M’Lynn’s breakdown later in the play – after a lot of other drama – was a brilliantly emotional scene from Jo Long.

Annelle’s transformation from anxious newcomer to born again Christian, the truce between bickering Clairee and Ouiser, along with the relationship trials faced by Truvy, all added to the underlying friendship between the group of women.

The entire cast pulled off their Southern accents to perfection, while the impressive (and very pink) set – constructed by Nick Robinson and Charlotte Lemon - added to the girly theme of the play.

Phillip Horton