Review: Here You Come Again at the Lowry is ‘a delightful tribute to one of pop’s most loved icons’

For many people, Dolly Parton is quite literally the best thing since sliced bread.

With an illustrious career that spans decades, she has long since become a household name and one of the most iconic figures in country music.

Here You Come Again explores the transformative power of her music and celebrates everything she has come to represent.

Here You Come Again at the Lowry

Set in the heart of the Covid 19 Pandemic, Here You Come Again follows aspiring stand up comedian Kevin, as he adjusts to life back home in Halifax with his parents.

Sequestered to the attic or as his friends call it his ‘Dolly Parton Palace’ Kevin relies on the music of his idol to get him through this turbulent time.

Ever the philanthropist, Dolly takes it upon herself to become Kevin’s imaginary friend / life coach / duet partner and together they try to once again find the light of a clear blue morning.

Here You Come Again is first and foremost a musical about Dolly Parton so it stands to reason that their Dolly needs to be extremely strong.

Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly Parton

Luckily, Tricia Paoluccio is more than up for the challenge. She not only sings like Dolly, but she speaks with the same inflections and moves with the same mannerisms. It is truly good enough to make you do a double take.

Tricia is absolutely the driving force of the show. She has amazing stage presence and manages to capture Dolly’s trademark warmth without feeling like a direct copy.

Tricia Paoluccio has a gorgeous voice that traverses Dolly’s catalogue easily while also adding some musical theatre flourishes.

Despite her obvious star power, Tricia is a very gracious performer and her Dolly shares the stage with Kevin comfortably. Inviting both him and the audience to escape for a little while into the warm embrace of her folksy charm and sweet vocals.

Steven Webb as Kevin

There is no denying that Steven Webb throws himself into his portrayal of Kevin, committing completely and giving 100% at all times. He really manages to convey the reckless abandon of a homosexual alone in their room and he’s a very believable Dolly devotee.

Steven Webb showcases a range of skills during the shows runtime, from tap dancing in Birkenstocks, a high energy lip sync to Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That? and a very passable Kenny Rodger’s impersonation.

Steven Webb has very strong comedic timing and generates lots of the biggest laughs.

He is also a very strong vocalist and a worthy duet partner for Tricia Paoluccio’s Dolly.

Dolly Parton’s timeless numbers

It should be no surprise that Here You Come Again is jam packed with Dolly Parton songs.

Rest assured that you’ll come away having heard the hits, like Islands in The Stream, 9 to 5 and, of course, I Will Always Love You – to name a few!

As well as deeper cuts such as Me and Little Andy and The Seeker.

With musical direction by Jordan Li- Smith, Dolly is backed up by a band that consists of Aidan Cutler, Austin Garrett, Charlotte Elizabeth Yorke, Luke Adams, Ben Scott and Kevin Oliver Jones, all in matching outfits.

They are each very talented and also work well as a group. Their sudden appearance on stage not only elevates the quality of the music played but adds to the whimsy of the overall story.

Designed by Paul Willis, Kevin’s attic space is extremely cosy. Influenced by Dolly Parton’s early sets, it marries both characters together well while immediately puts one in mind of a disused childhood bedroom turned storage room.

Slick stage arrangements and props

With racks of costumes and strings of fairy lights, the space immediately feels well loved and truly lived in. Slick rearrangements of the props help to transform the attic into a stage when the time comes.

The screen showing chimney tops is a nice touch, conveying the world outside of the Kevin’s attic.

Taking inspiration from many of Dolly’s iconic looks the costumes (designed by Paul Willis), at least for Tricia Paoluccio, are gorgeous. Kevin draws the short end of the stick, with his pandemic chic baggy t-shirt and shorts putting the audience firmly in mind of the days of face masks and clapping for carers, though he does get a bedazzled blazer for special occasions.

A fun tribute to one of the world’s most beloved icons

One part pantomime, another part Christmas variety show, Here You Come Again is two hours of Dolly’s greatest hits, with a sprinkling of plot in between each song. It’s a fun tribute to one of music’s most beloved icons and an overall good time.

Tickets for Here You Come Again at the Lowry

Here You Come Again is perfect for any fan of Dolly Parton’s music, especially if you’re are looking for something fun and frothy to escape into. What may be lacking in plot is made up for in sheer enthusiasm and vibes.

If you’ve ever found yourself turning to Dolly Parton’s words of wisdom in times of stress or pondering the age old question What Would Dolly Do? Here You Come Again may be the musical for you.

Here You Come Again is at the Lowry Theatre until Saturday 2nd November 2024.

Tickets are available here