Here You Come Again, UK Tour (2024) Review
Credit: Hugo GlendinningWritten by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Here You Come Again is a belter of a new musical - hilarious, vibrant and full to the rafters with heart. The show embarks on a UK tour, following several successful runs across the United States and with the hope of a West End run in the future.
Set during the COVID lockdown, Kevin (Steven Webb) finds himself isolated in an attic, having been dumped, with only his Dolly Parton posters for company. Here You Come Again follows Kevin's journey as he draws inspiration from his idol to build confidence and make meaningful changes in his life. Through this process, Kevin experiences significant emotional growth and transformation.
This production is the perfect form of escapism and has been brilliantly written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio. Paul Wills’ stage design is a nostalgic treasure trove, brimming with childhood toys, records, and fairy lights, set against a backdrop of rooftop skylines. This beautiful and immersive setting instantly draws the audience into the action.
Steven Webb is charming and very funny as Kevin, exuding an undeniable fizzy energy that endears him to audiences from the start. Webb masterfully taps into Kevin's vulnerable side, adding depth and balance to the story. Alongside him, Tricia Paoluccio shines as the iconic Dolly Parton, with an uncanny resemblance in both characteristics and vocal ability and an unshakeable stage presence that makes her performance unforgettable. The chemistry between Webb and Paoluccio forms the core of the show, making this production truly exceptional.
We must also mention Aidan Cutler and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke, who enhance the production as supporting characters, portraying roles like the parents and discarded lover. Additionally, they inject a huge dose of energy into the musical numbers with their vibrant backup vocals.
But what about the music? The cornerstones of Dolly Parton’s music is embedded well into this show. With hits like “Two Doors Down”, “Islands in the Stream” and “Jolene” alongside fitting songs like “Love Is Like A Butterfly” it balances this production well. The band made up of Jordan Li-Smith, Alex Akira Crawford, Ben Scott and Kevin Oliver Jones transitioned from the background to the forefront of the action quite a lot in this show and this worked well with the style of this show.
What was even better was that this audience respected that this show was about the performers themselves, not at all using it as an opportunity to sing along. However, there are times when the performers encourage you to join and this is well respected.
Here You Come Again is a great show that will definitely win over audiences. You don’t need to be a fan of Dolly Parton to enjoy everything this jukebox musical has to offer and you’ll leave the theatre feeling pleasantly surprised with what is executed on the stage.
Here You Come Again is on a UK tour until 7 December 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
