An uplifting and comedic celebration of Dolly Parton.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

press tickets for review

I love nothing more than a detailed and creative set. I can appreciate that an empty stage can allow for more cast and ensemble, allow for changes in scenes, and can allow for change to keep a show fresh, but there’s nothing I love more than walking into a theatre and seeing a set that is visually fascinating. And, Here You Come Again is one of those exact sets that I love.

An attic which could pass for a log cabin, complete with fairy lights, a cosy kitchen and plenty of ‘junk’ lying around to represent the storage space for the house. It’s such a busy yet cosy stage design and I absolutely loved it. Of course, it remains completely the same throughout the entire show, except when it opens out for the finale, but I didn’t mind that one bit. Not when it flowed with the story, and there was so much to appreciate and laugh at on stage. Major applause to Paul Wills because set and costumes were truly stunning.

Here You Come Again wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, I think perhaps in my head I had envisioned it to be on the formula of Jersey Boys or Drifter’s Girl, rather than what it actually was. Which was a brand new story following Kevin (Steven Webb) a super fan of Dolly Parton who in his trying times during the pandemic brings Dolly to life as his imaginary friend to lead him forward and take his hand to brighter days. What would Dolly do?

The show incorporates iconic songs from Dolly Parton’s extensive catalogue including 9 to 5, Here You Come Again, Islands in the Stream, Jolene and I Will Always Love You amongst others. Dolly is brought to life by Tricia Paoluccio, born in California, she has the Dolly twang down. Her vocals were outstanding throughout.

A show that is predominately a two cast production is no easy task and often I’ll find myself drifting out of concentration or desperate for a break or a change. But, Here You Come Again flew by. I laughed out loud so many times and it seems the audience were loving it just as much. In fact, there were so many moments of hysterical laughter that it seemed it was infectious and even caused the cast to have a giggle. Remaining in character, others might comment on it negatively, but personally I felt that it reinforced and solidified that it was a connection between audience and cast and felt even more real that the show really was sitting having a catch up with your camp best friend and THE Dolly Parton.

Steven Webb (you might recognise him as Alistair Scott in The Inbetweeners) played the lead fan boy Kevin and he was superb. There aren’t many people who will have me in laughter for a facial expression or a mannerism, but Webb did. His performance of Jolene with the red chiffon headscarf was a particularly outrageously funny moment and highlight of the show.

Despite the show covering mental health in smidges, I felt the show never emotionally pulled at anything. The subtle depiction was there, but it never tended to divulge into too much. But honestly, I think I preferred that. I liked that it was just a face value make you laugh make you smile cheer your spirits kinda show. We don’t always need the in-depth storyline and the powerful make you think moments. Sometimes, we just want a good watch and have a good laugh whilst listening to good music and that’s what this show is. It’s a celebration of Dolly and a reminder of how much she means to some.

Set during the pandemic, there are whiplash reminders of the 2020 period. Remember the happy birthday song whilst washing your hands? “I turned 90” Webb jokes as he steps out the bathroom after removing his blue sterile face covering and bright yellow marigolds before spraying everything and anything, including a focaccia, in antibacterial spray. It’s comedy through and through. There’s a party two doors down, but of course it’s 2020, so who is partying? Ahhh yes, bring out the Boris cardboard cut out! It’s just humour through and through.

There are nods to Dolly’s career, even some niche jokes that thankfully they filled the gaps with because there were some movie reference jokes that I would’ve never picked up. Everything ties back to the songs, and we hear glimpses of Dolly’s life, like how her and her husband have managed such a strong relationship before Dolly addresses the audience jokingly that it’s being away from your partner for so much that makes relationships work. We do get a brief moment about Dolly’s infertility. What I did find beautiful though was Dolly is there being kind and supportive and being a source of comfort and hope… which is exactly what Dolly is all about!

Here We Come Again is a light-hearted celebration of Dolly Parton’s catalogue and the impact and support she has provided to her fans, without perhaps even knowing it. So, dust off your cowboy boots and hats, polish those rhinestones and chasse on down to the authorised by Dolly herself party that’s happening two doors down at Curve Theatre until June 15.