A TALE of friendship and the strength of women will be brought to life on the stage next week.

Final rehearsals are taking place at Shinfield Players Theatre for Steel Magnolias, a story of friendship set in Louisiana in the 1980s.

Director Cara Broadhurst said: “It is about six women who meet regularly at beauty parlours and hairdressing salons and follows their lives in four different time frames.

“The play shows how friendship develops and is a real celebration of strong women with a metal core.”

The cast have been rehearsing since the start of the year, and the show will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday, March 8. Cara added: “The costumes have come together really well and I am looking forward to it.

“I really hope people enjoy it.”

The show starts at 7.45pm at the Whitley Wood Lane theatre and tickets are £10, £8 for concessions and £5 for children.

Call 0118 975 8880 or visit www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk