Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again at Riverside Studios and on tour – review

Of all the people to save you in a crisis, who better than Dolly Parton? Here You Come Again is a light-hearted musical that celebrates the enduring power of Parton’s music and spirit. Packed with humour, and touching moments, the show is about one man’s journey from despair to self-discovery, all with a little help from his idol.

Written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Tricia Paoluccio (who also stars as Dolly), Here You Come Again has charmed audiences across America and has now arrived in London as part of a nationwide tour. Set during the height of the global pandemic, the show follows 40-year-old Kevin (Steven Webb), a devoted Dolly Parton superfan, who is grappling with the collapse of both his career and his relationship. As Kevin retreats to his parents’ attic in isolation, he feels hopeless and fantasises about his dream idol. Enter Dolly herself—well, sort of. In his vivid imagination, she becomes Kevin’s rhinestone-clad guardian angel, offering words of wisdom, humour, and her greatest hits to help him rediscover his self-worth.

Barre directs this entertaining musical, which highlights Dolly’s legacy through a selection of her iconic tracks, including “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “Here You Come Again”. Fans of her music will certainly enjoy how these tracks are woven into the story. However, not all numbers feel entirely necessary in advancing the plot and, at times, seem a little like filler. Nonetheless, the show certainly provides a sense of nostalgia and is a fantastic tribute to the singer.

Paul Wills’ set design captures Kevin’s world: a chaotic yet slightly endearing homage to the country music legend. With walls covered in Dolly memorabilia and heaps of household props dotted around the stage, the visuals appear cluttered—likely reflecting Kevin’s messy, vulnerable state. Willis’ treehouse-like structure also accommodates the live band and supporting cast – Aidan Cutler and Emma Jane Fearnley at the performance I attended – who multirole as characters in Kevin’s life.

Webb is brilliant as Kevin, bringing a blend of hilarity and vulnerability to the role. He delivers endless self-deprecating jokes, often about his failed career as a comedian, which elicit both laughter and sympathy. His superfan persona enthusiastically shares fun facts about Dolly’s career (“The Bee Gees wrote ‘Islands in the Stream’!”) while also donning Dolly-inspired costumes to perform flamboyantly energetic choreography.

Paoluccio delivers a performance so precise, it’s almost like seeing the real-life Dolly herself on stage. She channels the singer’s Southern charm, mannerisms, and powerhouse vocals with astonishing accuracy. Her stunning rendition of “I Will Always Love You” elicits goosebumps, while the “Islands in the Stream” duet with Webb is a joyous, interactive highlight of the night, that has the audience swaying along. Richard Pinner’s impressive illusions add a fantastical touch, leaning into the whimsical nature of Kevin’s imagined Dolly encounters.

While some musical numbers feel more like a showcase of Dolly’s impressive catalogue than essential to the narrative, the overall message of self-love and resilience shines through. Equal parts camp and heartfelt, Here You Come Again is a delightful theatrical experience that leaves you smiling long after the final curtain.