Here You Come Again – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Music and Lyrics: Dolly Parton, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jack Clement, Bob Carlisle, Randy Thomas, Frieda Parton, Mark Anderson and The Bee Gees

Writers: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, Tricia Paoluccio

Additional Material: Jonathan Harvey

Director: Gabriel Barre

Much to the delight of audiences across the country,Here You Come Againis putting the songs made famous by Dolly Parton on stage in a new musical. This musical opts not to tell Parton’s life story (not much of it anyway), and instead we meet Kevin, a 40-something wannabe stand-up comedian, in the midst of 2020’s Coronavirus pandemic. Following a break up, Kevin moves into his parents’ attic and begins to reflect on his life and who he really wants to be.

The show, written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, is entertaining with laughs throughout. However one felt that perhaps a little more action and drama may have been required to fully justify the show being a full length two act production – this is a very character driven piece of theatre. Jonathan Harvey does a fantastic job relocating the show into a UK context – just down the road in Halifax in fact – with plenty of topical references to British culture throughout, getting many a laugh. It does still feel a little too soon though for a show set in Covid times.

This show, for most part, is a two hander. At this performance, understudy Aidan Cutler performed the role of Kevin (and will do all week in Sheffield). He has the audience in the palm of his hands from the first second he appears on stage, he has impeccable comic timing and his singing voice is delightfully rich – it is just a shame he doesn’t get more solo numbers in the show. Despite clearly not being a patch on 40, Cutler still creates an endearing character that the audience wants to see find his dreams and fulfil them. Paul Wills’ intricately detailed and very realistic set design also provides insight into who Kevin is and who he was growing up.

Co-writer Tricia Paoluccio plays Dolly Parton herself, who in this show is almost like Kevin’s guardian angel. She brings to life the iconic country singer brilliantly, whilst never quite feeling like a tribute act – she stays grounded, building an authentic and heartwarming rapport with Cutler’s Kevin. Wills’ costumes for Dolly are fabulous, whilst never being completely OTT adding to the idea that Dolly Parton here is a human and not merely an idol. She delivers all the iconic songs perfectly, although the vocals throughout felt a little quiet. Everything in Tom Marshall’s sound design could have just been a little louder.

Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke and Austin Garrett make cameo appearances throughout the show in various roles, and both are a joy to watch. Yorke and Garrett both get the chance to demonstrate some fabulous vocals in the finale megamix as well.

Here You Come Againis an enjoyable evening out, boasting some delightful performances and, of course, many a fabulous musical number (which all sound wonderful under the baton of Jordan Li-Smith).

Runs until 21st September 2024.