Curve Theatre Leicester – until 15th June 2024
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
Here You Come Again is a beautifully crafted and highly entertaining show, centered around Kevin (Steven Webb), a 40-year-old, wannabe/failed comedian whose life is crumbling around him. Having split from his boyfriend, he has moved back to Halifax from London, with his parents and has been forced to self-isolate in his old bedroom in the attic due to the pandemic. Lonely, anxious, self-doubting, and depressed, he turns to his Dolly Parton memorabilia to get him through these dark times, and that’s when she appears. We are taken on a hilarious and emotional journey with Kevin as Dolly’s, musings, magic, and music lifts him out of his funk. Her beautiful lyrics and storytelling songs offers him some real perspective and gives him the new-found confidence to put himself first and to dare to try.
Originally written by two-time Emmy award winner, Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays Dolly), the show has now been adapted for the UK by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street). Here You Come Again is a stand-alone piece of original theatre, and a rather fabulous one at that. Its not to be mistaken for a Dolly Biopic. However, it’s chock full of her hits including ‘Islands in the Stream’ ‘Little Sparrow’, ‘Love is Like a Butterfly’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Two Doors Down’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, ‘Jolene’ and the rather glorious ‘I Will Always Love You’. The proof that this production is not just your basic jukebox musical, is the inclusion of some of Dolly’s lesser-known hits such as ‘Me and Little Andy’ and the way that all the songs are cleverly woven into the production, paying the utmost respect to Parton’s storytelling prowess.
Paoluccio is the absolute embodiment of Parton in both look and vocals. Paul Wills’ iconic wigs and costume design nails the appearance, but its Paoluccio who encapsulates Dolly’s mannerisms. Practical, no-nonsense, can-do, wise, grounded, and real human beyond the star. Amidst the showstopping performance pieces we witness down to Earth Dolly, laughing, humble, helpful and being a true friend to Kevin. Webb portrays Kevin’s vulnerability and vivacity with aplomb. He endears with his self-deprecation, humour and is fully relatable, as we have all struggled with similar situations and are most definitely united by our covid emotions. Webb’s performances are hugely entertaining, his rendition of ‘Jolene’ alongside Dolly will haunt me forever, for all the right reasons.
Webb and Paoluccio blended so naturally together, with great audience interaction and playing off one another with a completely believable and authentic friendship. The performances as a whole are effortless, stunning and sublime. The main cast were supported by Aidan Cutler and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke, who played multiple additional roles and were accompanied by a live band, Alex Akira Crawford, Ben Scott and Kevin Oliver Jones who all brought the attic to life. Choreography by Lizzi Gee, Paul Wills’ Design, Richard Pinners baffling illusions, Tim Deiling’s lighting and Tom Marshall’s sound combined to make this a sensational show.
Here You Come Again is full of humanity, humour and heart. You don’t need to be an ardent Dolly Parton fan to grasp the essence, although you might be after you see it. Uplifting, joyous and glorious. What would Dolly Do? She would urge you to see this show.