Review: Here You Come Again, The New Dolly Parton Musical, at the Opera House, Manchester

Who doesn't love a bit of Dolly Parton? 

The biggest country star on the planet has managed to avoid the jukebox musical treatment (despite the lady herself writing the music and lyrics for the adaptation of hit film 9 to 5 (which is so underrated if you ask me)) - that is until now. However, it is not the story of her life per se (that I am sure will come in time). 

Here You Come Again instead features an original story set during a distant time - Covid! 

*Insert discussion that the stories we will get set and/or about the pandemic have only just begun*

We are transported back to Summer 2020, the height of the Coronavirus pandemic

It is then we meet Kevin, a newly-single man on the wrong side of 40, self isolating in his parents attic in Yorkshire. Heartbroken and depressed, he gets the shock of his life when the one and only Dolly Parton materialises from his much loved poster, into the attic. Through some of her biggest hits, she aides Kevin in his time of need. 

Despite having found success in its original runs across the pond, it feels incredibly British. That is down to the work of Jonathan Harvey (who has also written for Corrie), slotting in not just references but also so much British charm into it, I genuinely thought it was a British creation. In fact, this was written by Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays Dolly), Gabriel Barre and Bruce Vilanch. The writing is witty, and brings many a laugh. 

Like Dolly herself, the show also smart and wears an emotional heart on its sleeve 

We get a look into Kevin's depression and feelings of heartbreak being amplified during this period of self isolation, something that we likely all experienced in one way or another. It was a lonely time. Steven Webb as Kevin is not afraid to bear all; as well as his camp side, and the joy he feels as he slowly allows Dolly's guidance in and truly begins his discovery of self love. 

Paoluccio also allows her moments as the guardian angel, particularly when she opens up to Kevin about her own struggles. It makes for some powerful moments in a show you wouldn't expect to find them. It's not all trail and tribulation though.

When the songs get going in particular, they are just as you would expect: camp, a little cheesy, and a whole lot of fun

And it's all the tunes you know: 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream, and of course Here You Come Again. We also got a 10-second cameo of the 9 to 5 song Backwards Barbie. 

Paoluccio sounds astonishingly like Parton herself, which was one of the reasons that lead her to writing the show. What a voice she has. 

I will say however, what spoilt it a little for me was the woman singing karaoke behind me (a big pet peeve of mine). 

Considering there was just one set too, Kevin's attic, the team were not afraid of being as imaginative as possible. After all, there is the question whether or not the materialisation of Dolly is only in Kevin's imagination or not; so they could be imaginative with backing singers, glittery costumes, and using the bits and bobs in the attic for gags. At the end of the day, don't we all goof around and be stupid in our rooms behind closed doors? 

Here You Come Again is truly a joyful show

Yes it has its moments of melancholy, but it is such a fun time, a perfect show to bring a friend along to and for a fun night out. And if you fancy singing along, then please wait for the mega-mix at the end. 

The UK tour plays Sunderland this week, and then ends in Wimbledon at the end of February.