Having enjoyed several successful runs across the United States, Here You Come Again is currently on its first UK tour, and comes to Milton Keynes Theatre until Sat 23 November.
I think many of the audience came out of the theatre after seeing Here You Come Again saying ‘Well I wasn’t expecting that!’. This is an extremely funny show. Probably the funniest musical I have ever seen. But then Here You Come Again isn’t your average jukebox musical. It feels like a stand-up comedy sketch with Dolly Parton music.
Its 2020 and in the height of the pandemic. Kevin 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 precious belongings from his youth, he is reunited with a much-loved old record player and his cherished Dolly albums. He remembers the hard times those songs helped him through in the past and counts on them to help him once again. With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps… even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! I loved the story, that its British and set in recent times. I love the way it was presented. I loved the very busy set and breaking the fourth wall so we feel we are involved in this story. It works.
Steven Webb plays Kevin and he totally makes Kevin feel real. We like Kevin. We want to hug him when his toxic boyfriend keeps calling, we want to make it all okay. Although I have stated that this show is the funniest musical ever – there are also some heartfelt moments because we do care about Kevin. Steven is outstanding. Not only is he funny but every mannerism, every word, every look, all the physical comedy adds to the character. I felt this role was made for Steven and cannot imagine anyone else in the role.
However, we need a Dolly for the show and boy did we get a good ‘un. (said in my best country accent). Tricia Paoluccio plays Dolly and completely embodies her. Her voice is mesmerising and I loved her wisdom, her kindness, her compassion for Kevin and how she helps him come to terms with what is next in his life. There is Dolly magic in the show. She can turn wine into water. Of course, Tricia does knock I Will Always Love You out of the park – but I’d expect nothing less. Tricia is just wonderful and I went home wishing I knew more Dolly songs than I do.
I never thought I would laugh at the pandemic. It had a profound effect on me and if you read my blog regularly you know this. However here I was laughing at banging pots and pans for the NHS and baking banana bread. Dolly really is a healer as I felt this helped me as much as Kevin. What an amazing feel-good show.
This joyful new musical is fully authorised by Dolly herself. Packed with iconic songs like Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and Here You Come Again, this touching musical will touch your heart.
Here You Come Again is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 19 November.
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