Here You Come Again at The Lowry - Review by Natalie Anglesey

                                          HERE YOU COME AGAIN

The new musical comedy featuring the hits of Dolly Parton

Until Saturday 2nd November

THE LOWRY, SALFORD


If, like me, you are a huge Dolly Parton fan, I urge you to see Here You Come Again at The Lowry this week. I was lucky enough to see Dolly herself when she came north on her last solo visit - a long time ago - and was impressed by her unique stage presence. Within minutes she had the audience under her spell.

 


But what would a show about her music be without the star? I had my reservations. For the first time ever, all Dolly Parton’s biggest hits are brought together in Here You Come Again, a joyful new musical comedy,  granted permission by Dolly herself. Well all I can say is Tricia Paoluccio did Dolly proud. Not only as a look-a-like but an incredible sound-a-like who had the audience clapping and cheering throughout.

Packed with iconic songs like Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, and Here You Come Again,  this new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times.

 Kevin, played by Steven Webb (Oliver!, Book of Mormon), has just separated from his long-time boyfriend Jeremy, an investment banker, and is in quarantine in the attic bedroom of his childhood home in Yorkshire. Surrounded by his precious belongings, he's reunited with a much-loved old record player and his cherished Dolly albums. Those songs helped him through past bad times and he counts on them to help him once again. With her wit, humor and charm, the character of Dolly teaches him about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps… even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones!


Here You Come again  was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and input from writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio who plays the role of Dolly superbly.

 The production also benefits from additional material from highly regarded British TV and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street) for the production's UK run.

The band is completed by Richard John, with Musical Supervisor, Jordan Li-Smith, Musical Director, Kevin Oliver Jones bass, with Alex Crawford on Guitar and Ben Scott on Drums. The wider creative team includes Gabriel Barre as Director; Set and Costume Design by Paul Will,   Choreography by Lizzie Gee; Lighting Design by Tim Deiling; and Sound Design by Tom Marshall.   This is a Simon Friend Entertainment and Leeds Playhouse co-production.

 This thoroughly enjoyable show brought a standing ovation. If you're a Dolly fan, fight for a ticket. It's at The Lowry until the 2nd of November.

Accessible Performances: Audio Described, Thu 31 Oct 2pm & 7.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm & 6pm) 

BSL: Thu 31 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets are available at https://thelowry.com

 


 



 

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