Book: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, Tricia Paoluccio
Music and Lyrics: Dolly Parton, with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, The Bee Gees, Frieda Parton and Mark Anderson, Jack Clement, Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas.
Adaptor: Jonathan Harvey
Director: Gabriel Barre
Dolly Parton has written so many great songs it’s a wonder it took so long for a jukebox musical to be created.
In fact, it took until Covid, when lifelong fan Tricia Paoluccio was inspired to create Here You Come Again with her husband Gabriel Barre and their co-writer Bruce Vilanch. But Tricia is not only a fan, she is an impressive Dolly Parton mimic with a great set of pipes who takes the role of Dolly in the show and effortlessly guides it along. Apparently she has been singing Parton’s songs since childhood, and it shows. Her rendition of I Will Always Love You – which Parton wrote but Whitney Houston made famous – showed off her vocal talent best and got a fantastic reception at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal.
But the show has lots more favourites including Islands in the Stream, 9 to 5, Jolene, and Two Doors Down. It is not a singalong show, do be aware… until the final medley when all those singing along in their heads were delighted to be invited to let rip.
The plot, such as it is, centres on the hugely likeable character of Kevin, played with brio by Steven Webb. He is marooned in his old childhood bedroom during Covid, nursing a broken heart and broken dreams amid his old Dolly Parton posters and Blue Peter annuals.
Jonathan Harvey, who wrote TV comedy Gimme Gimme Gimme, has given this previously very American show a very British makeover. Those annuals, for instance, would surely not have been in the original.
The action is transplanted to Halifax whose chimney pots can be seen above the huge, crowded attic set. And there are lots of jokes peculiar to the UK pandemic experience, not least when a bulk buy of toilet rolls make an early appearance.
Steven Webb, of great versatility, not only tells jokes of all colours, but dances, sings and of course, acts alongside Tricia as his idol is magically made flesh. Unsurprisingly, the pair get along very well, with some tender moments in which we also learn more about the superstar’s personal history. Her homespun wisdom and keen sense of humour is portrayed beautifully, especially in the throaty little laughs which very naturally intersperse Dolly’s dialogue.
Their musical numbers are accompanied by two on-set backing singers (who also have featured roles), two guitarists and a keyboard player, adding to the cabaret feel of the show. It would almost be at home in a much smaller venue, except that those heels, spangles, huge wigs and great songs demand some headroom – and fewer people would be able to enjoy it.
Runs until 22 June 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
A Dolly good show
