Fringe benefits for cast

Actors preparing for their upcoming production of Steel Magnolias at Sheringham Little Theatre were given a masterclass in the hair essentials by Cromer hairstylist Yvonne Kidd.

Yvonne invited members of Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society to her Panache salon to make sure they are a cut above when they step onto the stage next month.

The life-affirming, laugh-out-loud play by Robert Harling was made into a multi-award nominated film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly Parton, and centres on a group of friends at a Louisiana hair salon.

The Sheringham show was a huge passion project for director Kat Tindall, who said she was excited to be bringing it to her favourite theatre.

“I absolutely loved the Steel Magnolias film but it felt a touch schmaltzy for me,” she said.

“I ordered the play script and it sat on the side with a few options for a while. One day I picked it up. I was immediately struck by the brilliant wit and musicality of the dialogue.

“Yes, this show has those heart-breaking moments that people who know the story will expect, but it is also absolutely hilarious.

“You could be sitting listening to any group of friends chatting, laughing, gossiping…

“With six brilliantly defined characters, it felt like an absolute gift for the many talented female actors we have at CSODS – and I wasn’t wrong.”

Beside Kat in the director’s chair, her husband and son are joining her on the production team.

Steel Magnolias opens at Sheringham Little Theatre on Wednesday, February 12, and runs until Saturday, February 15.

Visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347 for tickets.