After several successful runs across the U.S, Here You Come Again is touring extensively across the UK prior to an engagement in London’s West End. Adapted by British playwright Jonathan Harvey, the Dolly Parton musical features all of her well known hits from ‘9 to 5’ to ‘Jolene.’
We meet Kevin (TikTok viral sensation Steven Webb) as he self isolates back in his parent’s attic in the midst of the COVID pandemic lockdown. He is a self proclaimed ‘wrong side of forty’ aspiring stand up comedian who has had his heart broken by an ex, with only an unhealthy amount of Dolly Parton posters, records and memorabilia to keep him company. That is until Dolly herself steps out of a life size poster to guide and advise Kevin on love and life.
The show is set during the Covid lockdown, which is now nearly half a decade ago. This setting runs the risk of bringing up unwanted memories for audience members. Audiences seek escapism in the theatre. However, Here You Come Again is set during a time many would rather forget, creating an initial obstacle for audience engagement. This also limits the plot as there is very little room for anywhere for the show to go. Whilst there is a resolution towards the end of the piece, an emotional connection between Kevin, Dolly and other minor characters is severely lacking until this point.
The script just about manages to keep audiences on side though, whilst poking fun at the crazy time we all lived through. Tongue-in cheek references to singing happy birthday twice whilst washing our hands, baking endless amounts of banana bread and banging pans for the NHS, many things we can all recall are all prevalent. However Two Doors Down being loosely related to party-gate with a Boris Johnson cut out and all, was a little tasteless for my liking. Set design by Paul Wills is convincing with the attic packed to the rafters of tat, memories and dolly merchandise. The set is detailed and vast, if a little stagnant for a 2 hour 20 minute, two-act musical.
The two leads of the piece really are the selling point of the piece. Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly is a revelation as she completely embodies every essence of Dolly. Trademark nuances are there aplenty and the impressive vocals do not waiver, with ‘I Will Always Love You’ perhaps the most impressive. Webb as Kevin, displays his natural comedic ability in pretty much every delivery of the script. Whilst the character development is a little thin on the ground, Webb truly makes the most of every moment on stage. If you are familiar with Webb on TikTok, then his performance will delight you, as he truly is becoming a star in the making.
If you want to see a fun, lighthearted show, then don’t let this review discourage you. Here You Come Again really is a great show, packed full of Dolly’s hits and lesser known numbers, to a non Dolly enthusiast. With a thin plot, lack of character development and endless Dolly songs placed here, there and everywhere, it just never quite reaches the heights of Dolly's career unfortunately.
Here You Come Again runs at The Lowry until 2nd November. For more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Hugo Glendinning
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