Writers: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, with additional material by Jonathan Harvey
Director: Gabriel Barre
Depending on your particular stance, jukebox musicals are either a lazy money-maker or an imaginative way of reinventing an established catalogue of songs into something with more meaning and depth. Of course, it all depends on how well it’s been done. Historically, we’ve had the sublime (Jersey Boys, Standing at the Sky’s Edge) and the ridiculous (We Will Rock You, Viva Forever). Fortunately, it’s a huge sigh of relief that the latest addition to the jukebox canon falls firmly into the former category.
Featuring the music of Dolly Parton, Here You Come Again is a humorously poignant story of Kevin (Steven Webb), a down-on-his-luck wannabe comedian. It’s the summer of 2020, the country is in full lockdown, and Kevin is confined to his childhood attic room in his parents’ house, having just been dumped by his boyfriend. His goal of being a stand-up comic is in tatters, and lockdown and isolation have turned up the emotional anxiety to meltdown levels. His only consolation is music, specifically the music of his idol, Dolly Parton (Tricia Paoluccio).
At his lowest ebb, following a lot of red wine and half a bottle of whiskey, Kevin is about to take some strong anxiety tablets but, somehow, Dolly is manifested into his room, appearing from a poster on his wall. In the following 48 hours, Kevin is forced to confront his life, take actions he’s been avoiding, and realise that, despite everything, he’s not got it so bad. Dolly becomes his confidant, his therapist, his conscience, and his musical entertainment.
The story is ultimately that of a down-on-his-luck guy who is helped to see that life is better than one thinks. It’s a mix of It’s A Wonderful Life with Mary Poppins and a heavy dose of Jonathan Harvey’s pointed humour. This has all the hallmarks of being nauseatingly mawkish, but delightfully, it isn’t. As you’d expect, the story is heavily contrived to navigate the catalogue of Dolly’s songs, but it actually feels natural to the narrative.
Webb is a joy to watch as Kevin takes us on a journey from the lows of his depression to the giddy heights of meeting Dolly. Paoluccio is uncanny as Dolly, both physically and vocally. Both performances, combined with a tight script and Barre’s energetic direction, deliver a funny show with a strong, engaging emotional heart. Yes, it’s loaded with cod-psychology and oodles of Dolly-isms, but it works. It actually works much better than it should.
Here You Go Again is camp, knowingly tongue-in-cheek, and very funny. It’s also remarkably poignant and joyously uplifting. Whether you’re a fan of Dolly’s music or not, you can’t help coming out of the show a little bit wiser, a lot happier, and with a tune on your lips. What more could you want?
Runs until 18 January 2025
