Jessica Redmayne Brings ‘Steel Magnolias’ to the Australian Stage
Jessica Redmayne is currently captivating audiences in the new Australian stage production of Steel Magnolias. The play, which has a rich history and a deeply emotional narrative, has found a powerful new voice through her portrayal of Shelby. For Jessica, this role is more than just a performance—it’s a deeply personal journey that has resonated with her on multiple levels.
The character of Shelby was famously brought to life by Julia Roberts in the 1989 film adaptation. However, for Jessica, the connection to the role runs deeper than just the script. She credits her late mother, Christine “Tina,” for giving her the confidence and strength to pursue a career in acting. Tina passed away in October 2023 after a decade-long battle with early-onset dementia, and her influence continues to shape Jessica’s work on and off the stage.
There is a fitting irony in how Jessica first discovered Steel Magnolias. While the story is centered around women, she was introduced to it through the men in her life—her uncles. They would often quote the film, and one night they sat her down to watch it. From that moment, she fell in love with the story and its characters.
Now, as a star of Home and Away, Jessica is bringing Shelby to the stage, a role that she feels was made for her. After a brief opening run in Brisbane, the production is playing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal until June, with tours planned to Wollongong, Canberra, Perth, and Melbourne.
Joining Jessica in the production are some of Australia’s most beloved actresses, including Lisa McCune as Shelby’s mother M’Lynn, Debra Lawrance, and Belinda Giblin. Jess has shared many stories from her time on Home and Away with Belinda, creating a sense of camaraderie that adds to the authenticity of the performance.
Jessica admits she was initially nervous when the audition landed in her inbox. After all, Shelby was immortalized by Julia Roberts in the film and Nicole Kidman in the original theatre production. But rather than trying to compare herself to them, Jessica focuses on what makes her unique.
“I’ll never try to look at what [Julia and Nicole] did, because they’re extraordinary,” she says. “But I feel like there’s a part of my DNA that was made to do this.”
A Story of Hope and Resilience
Despite the tragic elements of Shelby’s story, Jessica doesn’t see her as a tragic figure. Instead, she emphasizes Shelby’s hope and optimism. “She is full of hope and optimism, and she doesn’t look at death as the inevitable,” she explains. “She lives by that beautiful quote – ‘I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing.’ We should all live by that.”
For Jessica, the play also offers a chance to explore the dynamics of female friendships. She sees her own family reflected in the cast of colorful Southern women. “My dad is one of nine and he has four sisters,” she shares. “I love that it’s older female friendships and younger female friendships. It’s so relatable.”
A Tribute to Her Mother
Jessica carries her late mother’s memory with her every day, especially on stage. Tina passed away in 2023, and Jessica often feels her presence during performances. She notes that there is a quiet parallel between her own story and that of Steel Magnolias—though in her case, the roles were reversed. She describes watching Lisa McCune portray M’Lynn, Shelby’s mother, as an emotionally powerful moment.
“She’ll be watching from the balcony, up in the lights,” Jessica says softly. “I know she’s proud of me.”
Balancing Two Roles
While Jessica is currently performing in Steel Magnolias, fans of Home and Away can rest easy knowing she’s not leaving the show. The production team worked out a schedule that allows her to step away for a few months while still being part of the long-running Channel Seven drama.
“I am still definitely very much on the show,” she stresses. “Obviously there is scheduling around that, which we had to make to allow me to go off and do Steel Magnolias.”
A Love for the 1980s
Jessica, an early ’90s baby, is thrilled to be living in the 1980s for the next few months. “It’s my favourite decade,” she gushes. “I feel like I was meant to be born in the ’80s!” She even came to rehearsals dressed in her mother’s old acid wash jeans, though they didn’t make it into her actual costume.
Looking Ahead
The three-month run of Steel Magnolias will conclude in Melbourne in early August. For Jessica, this is more than just a role—it’s a tribute to her mother, a celebration of female friendship, and a chance to bring a beloved story to life in a new way.
