Home and Away favourite Jessica Redmayne has just booked an exciting new gig and it could spell big changes for Harper Matheson. The actress, who stepped into Summer Bay in 2023, is heading to the stage for a major theatre production that will tour for months. Naturally, fans are already asking the big question: does this mean Harper is about to leave?
Jessica Redmayne Lands Major Stage Role
Jessica Redmayne has officially joined the cast of the beloved stage play Steel Magnolias, where she will take on the role of Shelby. The production will tour Australia from April through August, placing her firmly in the spotlight away from the beachside drama of Summer Bay. Based on Robert Harling’s 1987 play, Steel Magnolias follows a tight-knit group of women who gather regularly at a beauty salon in Louisiana, navigating love, heartbreak and life’s most painful moments together.
The story proved so powerful that it made its way to the big screen in 1989, with Harling penning the screenplay himself. In the film adaptation, Julia Roberts famously portrayed Shelby, the very role Redmayne will now bring to life on stage. She won’t be alone either. Fellow Home and Away stars Belinda Giblin and Debra Lawrance will join her as Ouiser and Clairee, respectively, creating quite the soap-to-stage reunion.
A Dream Cast Takes Shape
The production boasts an impressive ensemble. Lisa McCune will play Shelby’s devoted mother, M’Lynn, while Mandy Bishop steps into the role of salon owner Truvy. Lotte Beckett rounds out the cast as Annelle, completing a line-up packed with familiar faces and stage talent. The tour kicks off in Brisbane in April before travelling to Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne.
With performances scheduled right through August, the commitment spans several months, which inevitably raises questions about Redmayne’s availability for filming. At this stage, producers have not confirmed whether the extended theatre run means Redmayne will temporarily step away from Home and Away or whether Harper could be written out entirely. Fans know all too well that long absences sometimes lead to dramatic exit storylines, so speculation has already begun.
Director Lee Lewis has not held back in celebrating his leading ladies. In a statement, he revealed just how thrilled he feels about assembling the cast. “Once upon a time I wished for the best cast ever for Steel Magnolias… Lisa McCune! Brilliant! Belinda Giblin! Legend! Deborah Lawrance! Fabulous! Mandy Bishop! Outrageous! Jessica Redmayne! Gorgeous! Lotte Beckett! Perfect!!!! Yes,” he joked, adding that his fairy godmother granted him his wish. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Home & Away spoilers.