Review: Here You Come Again at Palace Theatre ‘is a rhinestone-studded Dolly delight’

Not all guardian angels have halos—some have big hair, a smokey mountain twang, and a wardrobe full of twinkling rhinestones.

Here You Come Again, the Dolly Parton-inspired jukebox musical, takes the audience on a heartwarming and hilarious ride, blending comedy, nostalgia and the timeless wisdom of Dolly herself.

But will this show truly work its rhinestone-studded magic, or does it leave us disappointed?

Here You Come Again

Kevin, played with endearing vulnerability by Steven Webb (The Book of Mormon), is a struggling comedian on the wrong side of forty, forced to move back in with his parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Isolating in his childhood attic bedroom—plastered with Dolly Parton posters and memorabilia—he’s nursing a broken heart after a painful breakup with his yuppie city banker boyfriend, Jeremy. Who we quickly learn to hate.

At rock bottom, he asks himself the ultimate question: What would Dolly do? And in a flash of smoke and sequins, the Queen of Country herself appears—well, at least a figment of Kevin’s imagination in the form of Tricia Paoluccio (Fiddler on the Roof), who steps out of a poster to guide him through his existential crisis and get his train back on the tracks.

Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly, the rhinestone-studded guardian angel

From the moment she appears, Tricia Paoluccio embodies Parton with uncanny accuracy. She looks the part, shimmers in an array of glitzy outfits and nails Dolly’s unmistakable laugh. More impressively, her voice is an incredible match, delivering a sparkling setlist of classics including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, and I Will Always Love You.

Throughout the show, she offers Kevin her signature country-fried wisdom—”stop looking into mirrors and start looking out of windas”—helping him rediscover his confidence and sense of self-worth.

Yet, while the premise of Dolly as a musical agony aunt is undeniably fun, some of her life lessons feel a little too simplistic. Her advice often amounts to “things could be worse,” which doesn’t entirely sell the idea of Kevin’s grand epiphany. But maybe that’s the point? Dolly has never been about deep existential philosophy—her magic lies in her unapologetic embrace of life’s ups and downs, and the joy of moving forward with a smile (and possibly a rhinestone-studded outfit).

The heart and humour of Kevin’s journey

Steven Webb delivers a stellar performance, balancing comedy and pathos as Kevin stumbles through his personal crisis. His comedic timing is spot on, whether he’s fumbling through half-baked jokes or bursting out of the bathroom in full drag to perform a duet with Dolly. There’s something undeniably relatable about his journey—who among us hasn’t felt stuck, lost, or nostalgic for a past that never quite was? His final confrontation with Jeremy is both cathartic and cheer-worthy, leaving the audience fully invested in his transformation.

The supporting cast adds warmth and humour, particularly Aidan Cutler, whose role as Kevin’s dad delivers one of the show’s most touching moments—a heartfelt declaration of love that resonates deeply. The ensemble’s vocals complement the production beautifully, adding richness to Parton’s legendary hits.

A shining set design

Paul Wills’ set design is both whimsical and grounded in reality. The attic setting, bathed in warm light, serves as a treasure trove of memories, while hidden lighting effects and clever staging bring an enchanting, almost fairytale-like quality to the show. In the Theatre notes, Wills said he drew inspiration from Mary Poppins, giving Dolly an almost magical presence—her entrances and exits are pure theatrical delight. The backdrop of Halifax chimneys adds a sense of isolation while immersing us in Kevin’s world, creating a visually striking space that perfectly complements the story’s themes.

The creative spark behind the show

Written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Tricia Paoluccio, with additional material by Jonathan Harvey, the musical was born out of the pandemic, reflecting a period of deep uncertainty and self-reflection. Barre, who also directs, has ensured the production maintains an uplifting and playful energy, despite its introspective themes. The show’s structure, seamlessly weaving Parton’s hits into Kevin’s journey, may sometimes feel a bit contrived, but ultimately, who cares? It’s Dolly!

Paoluccio’s lifelong admiration for Parton shines through in every moment. Her passion for the role, coupled with her spot-on performance, makes this musical feel like a genuine love letter to the country icon.

With plenty of heart, humour, and dazzling musical numbers, Here You Come Again is a delight. While its insights may not be the deepest, the show succeeds in what truly matters—it lifts your spirits, makes you laugh, and reminds you why we all love Dolly Parton. By the time Kevin dumps his yuppie boyfriend and steps into his own confidence, we’re all rooting for him. Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of sparkle, a lot of country wisdom, and a reminder to keep looking out of those “windas.”

Here You Come Again is an irresistible, feel-good celebration of Dolly, dreams, and second chances. If you’re a Parton fan (and honestly, who isn’t?), this musical is not to be missed.

Tickets for Here You Come Again at Palace Theatre

Here You Come Again at Palace Theatre is on from 4th Feb to Sat 8th Feb 2025 and you can get tickets here