When Robert Harling’s beloved sister died of kidney failure, he knew life would never be the same again.

But he drew comfort from the strong female friendships that had surrounded him as a child, in America’s Deep South, and was inspired by them to channel his grief into writing.

The result was Steel Magnolias, a bittersweet comedy about six female friends bonded by triumphs and tragedies which was became a hit 1989 movie with a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Shirley Maclaine.

Next month, the stage version comes to Bradford, with the all-female cast of Denise Welch, Cherie Lunghi, Isla Blair, Cheryl Campbell, Kacey Ainsworth and Sadie Pickering.

The play is set entirely in a beauty salon in smalltown Louisiana, where a close-knit circle of friends come together.

There’s M’Lynn Eatenton, constantly worrying about the failing health of her diabetic daughter, Shelby; warm-hearted beautician Truvy and her ‘glamour technician’ Annelle; and bickering widows Ouiser and Clairee.

Isla Blair is M’Lynn, played by Sally Field in the big-screen version. “She is facing something no mother should ever go through – the death of her daughter. She tries to support Shelby when she gets pregnant, and she donates a kidney to her, but she knows what could happen,” says Isla.

The role is particularly poignant to Isla, as a mother and grandmother. Married to actor Julian Glover, Isla has a son, actor Jamie Glover.

“The death of a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. I’d do anything for my son and grandchildren – I’d give them both kidneys if I had to,” she says. “Having spoken to Robert Harling, who wrote the play as therapy following his sister’s death, it became clear how much of his experiences are in there. It all happened to his family. In the film, the nurse who turns off Shelby’s life support is played by the real-life nurse who treated his sister.”

The play ultimately celebrates the power of friendship. The women survive the cycle of birth, life and death and emerge stronger, closer and still laughing.

“These are middle-class women who play bridge and bake cookies. They’re Southern – genteel but strong,” says Isla. “Robert told us that when his sister died, the men in his family went to pieces while the women showed great strength. I think that comes from women sharing feelings when they’re together – we’re not afraid to release emotion whereas men tend to bottle it up.

“Even though there’s a deep sense of grief, the women are always wise-cracking and winding each other up. It releases the tension.

“Ultimately, the play is uplifting - it shows that life goes on.”

Isla says the cast have bonded offstage too. “The last time I was at the Alhambra I was in The History Boys in an all-male cast, so quite a different dynamic,” she smiles. “This play has great roles for women of various ages. You find that more with theatre than TV, apart from in soap where your character can age with you.”

Would she consider a role in a soap? “I wouldn’t mind, but not for long,” says Isla, whose TV credits include Law and Order, The Final Cut and Single Father. “I came into this business for the versatility, that’s what it’s all about.”

Steel Magnolias runs at the Alhambra from April 16 to 21. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.