Jonathan Harvey talks Dolly Parton, musicals and Manchester

Jonathan Harvey is one of those writers who you may know from many of the different areas that he has worked in.

He has written plays such as the evergreen classic, Beautiful Thing and Canary for the Liverpool Playhouse.

He has also penned novels and the hit show Gimme Gimme Gimme. And for the last twenty years his words have made us laugh and cry on the cobbles of Coronation Street.

His latest project is adapting the new Dolly Parton musical, Here You Come Again for UK audiences.

We caught up with Jonathan to find out more about this hit packed show, before it arrives at the Lowry at the end of this month.

Can you tell us what the show is about in your own words?

A guy, Kevin, is down on his luck.

He’s lost his job, his boyfriend, and he’s come to home to lick his wounds in his parents’ attic.

He’s at crisis point when Dolly steps out from one of his posters and cheers him up with her back catalogue before disappearing – Mary Poppins-like – once her job is done.

 What is your favourite Dolly Parton song and why?

Gosh there are so many to choose from, and there’s one for every mood but right now I’ll plump for Here You Come Again.

It’s sung at the top of our show and Dolly appears magically out of a poster (plot twist!) and it often gets a cheer, so the music always puts me in a good mood.

You have penned musicals before. What is the best part of working on this one?

Seeing all the love for Dolly, I think. Tricia Paoluccio who plays her is so like her, it’s a joy to see the audience light up when she steps out.

Even when we were rehearsing the show I was convinced I was working with the actual Dolly. I don’t think I’ve ever sworn less in a rehearsal room, I was always on my best behaviour.

If your life was a Dolly song, what would it be?

 9 to 5. I’m always working!

You are taking a break from Corrie. For fans of the show, will you return to the cobbles to write?

If they’ll have me! I’m planning on returning next year. I felt after twenty years it was time for a break. I honestly only thought I’d stay for a year or two, but I blinked my eyes and twenty years had passed.

What’s been the most fun writing job you ever had, apart from this one?

Probably Corrie. Being part of a team can be a scream. Writing usually is such a lonely isolating process, so to spend time with other writers in the writers’ room is a bonus. I used to be a teacher, and when I left teaching the only thing I missed was the camaraderie of the staff room. I feel like I get a version of that with Corrie.

Your play Beautiful Thing was written in 1993 but it continues to resonate with audiences. Why do you think has stood the test of time?

 I think it must be that it’s to do with first love, and we can all identify with that. It’s a funny play too, I guess. And it gets put on because it’s cheap: five actors, one set. So that helps!

What do you like about Manchester?

As a Scouser I should probably say ‘Leaving it’. But I can’t. The city has been too good to me over the years. I’ve always had friends in the city so have hung out here since the late 80s and had plays on in all the theatres here.

With so many musicals to choose from, why would you tell audiences to choose this one?

It’s an uplifting joy. And the two leads are fantastic. But Tricia as Dolly has to be seen to be believed.

Tickets for Here You Come Again at The Lowry

Here You Come Again is at the Lowry from 29^th October – 2^nd November and can be booked here