What started as an idea during the onset of the Covid pandemic, Here You Come Again is a jukebox musical celebrating country music legend, Dolly Parton and her greatest hits- set against a tale of losing yourself during a time of despair and uncertainty.

Written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre (also serving as director) and Tricia Paoluccio (also starring as Dolly herself), the show has had successful runs across the pond and is now in the midst of its inaugural tour of the UK, this week playing at The Lowry in Salford.

The show tells of 40-year-old Kevin (Steven Webb), who, during a breakup, has been forced to move back home to his parents’ attic during the initial lockdown of 2020. Following this is what can only be described as a fever dream of joy with messages of hope, resilience and strength- and lots of sparkles thrown in for good measure! To cater to a British audience, additional material has been incorporated by legendary writer, Jonathan Harvey (Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie; Beautiful Thing; Coronation Street), whose famous one-liners and cutting sarcasm are apparent throughout.

What sets this show apart from most, and why it will ultimately succeed, is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously; it has a purpose, it has an identity, and it doesn’t shy away from having a heart. The book, although occasionally obstructed by the shoehorning of Parton’s back catalogue, has hilarious standout moments. These are elevated by Webb’s candid performance which, whilst genuinely uproarious, tangibly draws on the emotional vulnerability of so many throughout that, for want of a better phrase, ‘unprecedented time’. On top of this, Webb delivers a powerful vocal performance and more than holds his own against the powerful Dolly P.

As Dolly, Pauluccio is a veritable treat for the senses! Visually she is Dolly, audibly she is Dolly and, apparently, she smells like Dolly, too! (Like bubble bath and honey- who knew?) The tone of her voice is perfection and she has many an opportunity to show off her captivating talent throughout- a particular standout being ‘God’s Coloring Book’ and of course, ‘I Will Always Love You’. In a role which could very easily line dance towards kitsch parody, Pauluccio gives a world-class performance.

It is surprising that upon prior reading and researching afterwards that there is no mention of the pandemic in the trigger warnings or themes of the show. This is something that should be addressed as, although everyone in the audience (and then some) can relate to Kevin, each individual had a different and often polarising experience during it. What could start as a trip to see a Dolly Parton jukebox musical could well affect and/or trigger someone’s experiences during the often harrowing 2020-2021 period.

Paul Wills’ design is visually appealing, provides authenticity and pairs well with Richard Pinner’s surprisingly fun illusions- though a little more finesse would go a long way, especially during Dolly’s exits… The rich colours from Wills’ set design are enriched beautifully by lighting from Tim Deiling which exudes warmth, much like the overall feeling of the production.

As aforementioned, there are tweaks for the overall audience experience which would raise the bar, notably the lack of trigger warnings and the overstuffed musical numbers. It should also be noted that the show’s touring schedule includes theatres of varying capacities- this could provide reasoning as for why the illusions didn’t always seem to land fully and the sound mix was a little off, causing slight disconnect for the audience in a venue as sizeable as The Lyric.

That aside, this is a show that you should absolutely tumble out of bed and stumble to the theatre for. It is, like Dolly herself- a lot of fun and full of heart!

Here You Come Again runs at The Lowry until Saturday 2^nd November before continuing its tour into 2025. Further information and booking can be found here.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography courtesy of the production.