Here You Come Again
The songs of Country music icon Dolly Parton set the scene for new musical Here You Come Again which is on a UK Tour ahead of a proposed West End run. Will this show hit all the right notes or will we be grabbing our coat of many colours and heading for the door. After seeing this show at the Festival Theatre in Malvern, I can wholeheartedly say you’ll definitely want to come again!
Written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, who incidentally plays the role of Dolly Parton, more on her performance later, this show introduces us to Kevin (Steven Webb) as he deals with being on his own during the lockdown of 2020, living in his childhood bedroom located in the attic, where he is sent up food parcels from his parents so not to spread germs throughout the house, and having to climb a ladder into his abode. He is a wannabe standup comedian, trying to pursue his dream, but with a doomed relationship scuppering his chances for happiness, he turns to the person he loves the most, Dolly Parton, who appears to offer some worldly advice, and of course sing some of her biggest hits.
There are so many moments we all remember from suffering the effects of the lockdown, including wearing masks, sanitising the shopping as you got home from the supermarket and the overall feeling of loneliness for some. This show explores the many emotions felt by a lot of people during this time, but with added humour and incredible music it really is a show that has a bright future.
Firstly, Steven Webb is a total joy from start to finish. Knowing him from his time with the West End production of The Book of Mormon, and his quite brilliant social media presence, Webb just has it….whatever “it” is, he has it in abundance and is able to bring side splitting humour, along with being able to deliver the more dramatic heart wrenching moments that had us all welling up at the thought of his unhappiness. Every moment on stage is filled with brilliance, especially the moment when he dresses as Dolly and lip syncs in at least 9-inch heels, a vision to behold!
Not only involved in co-writing the show, Tricia Paoluccio also plays the role of Dolly. The first time we are introduced to Dolly, we can only hear her and if I’m totally honest I thought it was a recording, however as soon as Tricia appears on stage its clear that its her voice we can hear, and boy what a voice! Everything about her performance is just spot on, obviously she sounds identical to Dolly when singing, but her talking voice was also perfect. You could literally have been watching the real thing, it was quite astonishing. A particular highlight for me was ‘God’s Coloring Book’ which was so beautifully performed by Paoluccio, that I found myself wiping away a tear. I can’t express how perfect she is for this role!
There are plenty of fan favourites from Dolly’s back catalogue to enjoy, including ‘Here You Come Again’, ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Jolene’ which was a standout moment in the show, where once again Webb shines like the star he is to provide more hilarity with a red scarf and wind machine….well, a household fan, but you get the idea!
The show just uses the one set, the inside of Kevin’s attic bedroom, designed by Paul Wills. The walls are adorned with Dolly Parton posters and incorporates the feel of a childhood space (despite Kevin now being in his 40’s!), with cartoon bedding, and a ‘Skeletor’ curtain across the window. Every detail has been meticulously thought through and due to the intimate nature of the theatre in Malvern, you actually felt like you were in the bedroom too.
Both characters break the fourth wall throughout, speaking directly to the audience and acknowledging our existence in the room. This was a nice touch, and as Kevin struggles with his many demons, you could tell how invested the audience was and how they just wanted to be his friend (including me!), wishing him nothing but happiness.
In the eaves of the attic throughout the show, some of the musicians appeared, along with Aidan Cutler and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke who played multiple parts including Kevin’s parents, his self-centred Hedge Fund Manager boyfriend and an unappreciative boss. Both performers added the finishing touch to what is a show full of fun, humour, heartfelt moments, and pure camp delight! It is one spectacular Dolly day dream! If you buy one ticket for a touring show this year, make it this one, you’ll have a blast, guaranteed.
This show was reviewed on the 16th July 2024 at the Festival Theatre, Malvern where it runs until the 20th July 2024. Tickets available here: Here You Come Again - The New Dolly Parton Musical - Malvern Theatres (malvern-theatres.co.uk)
Full tour details here: Here You Come Again - The new musical featuring the hits of Dolly Parton
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning
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