West Belfast actress Eímhear Jackson will make her Lyric Theatre debut in the production of Steel Magnolias, opening this week. Jackson, from Dermott Hill, plays Annelle, a character described as searching for community and finding it in a hair salon run by Truvy.

The play was written by Robert Harling and first staged in 1987. It was later adapted into a film starring Dolly Parton and Sally Field.

Jackson began acting at the age of 12 with a role in the feature film Pumpgirl. At 21, she moved to New York to study at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where she earned degrees in Acting for Film and Television and Musical Theatre Performance. She remained in New York for seven years, returning home in December 2023. Jackson said she believed the Northern Ireland screen industry was expanding rapidly and would provide more career opportunities.

After returning, Jackson established the Actor's Hub at Blackstaff Mill, a training space for aspiring actors and writers focused on film and television acting.

The production's assistant director, Debra Hill, is also from West Belfast. Jackson said she hopes to make the community proud.

Steel Magnolias runs at the Lyric Theatre from 13 June to 10 July.