Here You Come Again
The legendary country icon is a lifeline for one socially awkward, lockdown-stricken soul searching for self-acceptance amidst isolation. The result is a delightfully quirky and emotional exploration of identity, loneliness, and the power of music, all wrapped in rhinestones, glitter, and the eternal charm of Parton herself.
The premise of the musical is as deceptively simple as it is brilliant. Meet Kevin during a pandemic-induced existential crisis, which let’s face it we can all relate to as this wasn’t that long ago. He has moved back into the attic of his parent’s home, isolated from friends, and burdened by the weight of a flakey, superficial boyfriend who needs taking down a peg or two. His walls are adorned with posters, childhood clutter fills the stage, and his mind is consumed with a burning need to find himself, with Dolly as his guiding light. Kevin becomes obsessively attached to his ultimate muse Dolly Parton as she comes to life in his head right before our very eyes and there is even a little Boris Johnson cameo, keeping it topical.
Steven Webb (Kevin) has the hearts of the audience from the very beginning; his portrayal of Kevin is a tender, layered performance that balances awkwardness with yearning, and humour with heartbreak. The moments of stillness, feel raw, but the moments of camp country and western inject life to the piece. Webb was born to play Kevin, he is so loveable and relatable giving us glimpses into the vulnerability of a person at war with himself. As Kevin meanders through his own insecurities, he discovers solace in Dolly's music and persona. Through fantasy sequences, he imagines her speaking directly to him, not as a distant superstar, but as a kind, empathetic figure that truly gets it. From well known classics Jolene to 9 to 5 and Islands in the Stream, Kevin clings to these iconic tunes as a beacon of hope and the audience are all here for it.
The star power here is Parton’s music, which feels like a natural extension of Kevin’s inner journey. Each song is carefully chosen to reflect both his self-doubt and his moments of clarity although some of the transitions seem clunky and forced; there is a nice through line but very much on one level and drawn out.
But it’s not just the songs that make this work, it is Tricia Paoluccio’s portrayal as the main lady herself, her performance is as iconic as the star and I honestly think this is the closest I will ever get to Dolly Parton. Her inflections, the notes, and her sound are all spot on, the show is worth seeing just for her performances. She just nails it, her voice is incredible, she just opens her mouth and the songs are effortless. Both Paoluccio’s and Webb’s relationship is slick and most importantly believable; you are instantly transported to the attic with the pair as they take you on the journey with them. But ultimately Dolly is the big draw and Paoluccio has the perfect balance of offering sage advice with the love of a true friend while also injecting enough campy glamour to keep the show from descending into melodrama. There are even a few surprise illusions thrown in under the direction of Richard Pinner, who has an impressive CV and helps add to the magic of the show, reaffirming that this is all in Kevin’s head.
Under the perfect direction of Gabriel Barre, the musical navigates the awkward humour of Kevin’s daily struggles, but never at the expense of sincerity. The musical numbers, especially those where Kevin imagines himself as Dolly’s co-conspirator, are pure, joyous escapism. Whether he’s transforming into the flamboyant diva or working through his feelings of alienation the show hits both the comedic and tender notes with equal finesse. Supporting Kevin’s journey is a small but effective ensemble. The actors playing Kevin’s family and on-and-off partner contribute delightful performances that bring levity and warmth. Aidan Cutler and Emma Jane Fearnley support very well with little live cameos and harmonies that bring pure pleasure to your ears.
In a world where disconnection feels so prevalent, Here You Come Again offers an invitation to celebrate individuality, self-acceptance, and, above all, the power of music to heal. There is something in this show for everyone and I promise you’ll relate to something if not all of it. This is a must-see for any Dolly fans as it’s a love letter to both Dolly Parton and the universal experience of finding hope in the most unlikely places, whether that be through the wisdom of a country queen or the comforting embrace of glitter and song.
This show was reviewed on the 20th December 2024 at the Riverside Studios, London where it runs until the 18th January 2025 before continuing on its UK Tour. Tickets available here: Here You Come Again - The new musical featuring the hits of Dolly Parton
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Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning
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