Here You Come Again: Review

AD: Press Tickets thanks to Malvern Theatres

A comedy about a man in his 40s living in his parents’ attic during lockdown shouldn’t work. But add in a poster of Dolly Parton that comes to life and what could possibly go wrong? Here You Come Again features all the Dolly Parton hits we know and love – and if I’m honest, a few I’d never heard of. The tiny but talented cast are touring with Here You Come Again at the moment and this week, it’s at Malvern Theatres.

About Here You Come Again

When unsuccessful comedian Kevin finds himself single and lonely during lockdown, who could he possibly turn to for cheering up but his idol Dolly Parton? In answer to his prayer, Dolly steps out of his life-size poster to change his life. For most of us, lockdown was an extremely difficult time and there wasn’t much to find funny. But when everything else stopped, I think most of us started to see the good in the small things. This is what Dolly helps Kevin to do, through her wise words and of course her crowd-pleasing songs.

Kevin is clearly at a real low point in his life and in need of inspiration. The audience learns that he’s drinking too much and taking tablets to help him sleep. He doesn’t really appreciate his parents, despite knowing deep down that they only want the best for him. But Dolly helps him to see that he has a lot to be thankful for.

The first half is an introduction between Dolly and Kevin, with each of them sharing a few secrets. Songs include Here You Come Again and Jolene. The latter is both hilarious and incredible vocally. An unlikely combination, but it works. As we move onto the second act, it’s time for Dolly to wake up Kevin with her iconic anthem 9 to 5. A couple of the other songs did seem a little bit wedged into this act, but it gets back on track with a stunning version of Islands In The Stream and I Will Always Love You.

Here You Come Again: The Cast

The cast of Here You Come again is extremely small, with the majority of the show centring around Kevin and Dolly. Kevin is played by Steven Webb whilst Tricia Paoluccio takes on the unenviable task of replicating Dolly’s vocal prowess.

Backing vocals and Kevin’s parents were courtesy of Aidan Cutler and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke. Alex Akira Crawford is on guitar, Ben Scott on Drums and Kevin Oliver Jones on Bass and Harmonica.

What I Thought Of The Show

I did read a bit about the show before going to watch it, just in terms of the story-line. A comedy set in lockdown, a poster coming to life and Dolly Parton’s hits seemed an extremely unlikely plot and I didn’t have high hopes. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.

Tricia Paoluccio’s vocals were genuinely incredible. I think the person sitting next to me thought I’d fallen asleep at one point because I couldn’t help but close my eyes to see if I could picture the real Dolly when she was singing. I absolutely could. Her voice and accent were so authentic both when singing and talking that the show couldn’t help but be great fun.

Whilst Steven Webb’s Kevin couldn’t quite keep up with Dolly vocally, he did absolutely nail the part. He was hilarious, particularly as Jolene and the on-stage chemistry between the two actors was incredible. My friend mentioned that the way he looked at her made it look like he genuinely idolised her. Realistically though, we all idolise Dolly don’t we?

Here You Come Again: FAQs