THIS play, superbly acted by an all-female cast is, in turn very funny and extremely moving. Set in a Louisiana beauty parlour, Steel Magnolias introduces the owner of the business, her assistant and four clients. The salon is where they laugh, gossip and reveal their worries. No other characters appear apart from the women, but we learn, and feel we know, about the men in their lives.

Carolyn Haslam, is wholly believable as Truvy, the owner and creates a hairstyle on stage for one of the characters.

Then there's Annelle, the gauche and sometimes naive assistant, beautifully interpreted by Victoria Thomas.

Marjorie Holder is excellent as the feisty and garrulous Claree as is Geraldine Irish as the young bride, Shelby, who has a penchant for pink.

Verna Chamberlain is hilarious as the abrasive Ouiser. Her subtle approach to the rule is admirable.

Oustanding in this very talented team is Renee Easterbrook, Shelby's concerned mother. She never puts a foot wrong. For the final scene when Easterbrook is marvellously moving I suggest you have a hanky ready. On second thoughts, make it two.

I've come to admire Halliwell Theatre Company's sets and for Steel Magnolias the stage crew have maintained their high standards.

Frankly, I do not know what a Louisiana beauty parlour looks like, but I am willing to believe this company's interpretation of it.

Complete with hair dryers and gingham accessories it achieves the impression of an oasis of femininity which makes it almost a cloistered world where the women can let their hair down - literally and metaphorically.

Steve Maslivic directs with style and flair and brings out the best in his actresses.

My attention never flagged and I developed a genuine interest in the characters and what was happening next.

I've seen this company do excellent work previously. With this production they have excelled themselves. DOREEN CROWTHER

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