Steel Magnolias Returns to Stages Across Australia
The story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women is back — live on stage in a new Australian production. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of Steel Magnolias will come alive under the direction of Lee Lewis and a cast of six powerhouse actors.
Steel Magnolias will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.
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.
“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring Steel Magnolias to Australian audiences,” said producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward. “The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”
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. The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.
Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and heart.
@steelmagnoliasau
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
Director - Lee Lewis
Composer & Sound Designer - Brady Watkins
Producer - Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
SEASON DETAILS
BRISBANE
Venue Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Season 30 April - 10 May
Performance Times Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466
Tickets on sale from 9am (Brisbane time) today
SYDNEY
Venue Theatre Royal Sydney
Season 13 - 31 May
Performance Times Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808
Tickets on sale now
WOLLONGONG
Venue Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Season 3 - 11 June
Performance Times Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999
Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999
Tickets on sale now
CANBERRA
Venue Canberra Theatre Centre
Season 17 - 21 June
Performance Times Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700
Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727
Presale from 25 November 10am, General Public sale from 26 November 10am
PERTH
Venue His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Season 7 - 18 July
Performance Times Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Prices From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292
Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Tickets on sale from 10am (Perth time) today
MELBOURNE
Venue Athenaeum Theatre
Season 23 July - 9 August
Performance Times Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500
Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
Tickets on sale now
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