Review: Here you come again at Leeds Playhouse

My friend and I got to the theater early and it turned out to be a good thing because there was so much to see in the set.

The scene was set as an attic bedroom where Kevin was holed up in his family home during Covid. Kevin has lost his self-confidence due to a failed relationship and a creative career that he believes is going nowhere.

There was so much to see in the attic – a treasure trove of childhood toys, fairy lights and chimneys can be seen piling up on the horizon beyond. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

Steven Webb as Kevin had the audience singing along from the start. It was funny, engaging, and overly dramatic (which seemed very fitting on a show about Dolly Parton). We quickly realize that despite trying to put a brave face on things, Kevin is struggling, and while he clearly has a knack for comedy, he can’t seem to catch a break.

Just when it looks like it’s as low as it can go – pow! Dolly Parton enters his attic and his life. And what Dolly Parton is. Tricia Paoluccio has loved the country music superstar since she was little and it shows. I think even the biggest Dolly fan would be impressed by the voice, costumes, look and spirit of Tricia’s portrayal. It was great to read in the program that the real Ms. Parton approves of the production, only turning down a joke about her hometown because, as she says, “I have to go back there every now and then.”

The relationship between Kevin and Dolly is a wonderful thing to behold. I especially loved her performance of “Jolene” and Kevin’s portrayal of her beauty, which is beyond comparison, and her fiery locks of auburn hair. The humor throughout the show is laugh-out-loud funny and balances out the self-doubt and lack of confidence that Kevin experiences.

The stunning sets and costumes were all designed by Paul Willis and he drew on decades of iconic designs. Through wig styling and color choices, he created “a visual journey featuring four distinct Dolly looks.”

The show band and backing singers were also very talented and added some extra comedic touches as they doubled as other characters in Kevin’s life.

There were plenty of surprises throughout the show, and at certain points the story spilled out into the audience, serving to make us feel a part of the unfolding story.

Dolly’s relentless positivity helps Kevin believe in himself and we get to hear some of her life stories and struggles she has faced.

Whether you love Dolly Parton or not, you’re unlikely to leave this show with anything other than a glow and some fantastic worms of songs performed so fabulously.

Here You Come Again runs at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 8 June 2024. Full details and tickets at: www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/here-you-come-again-3

This post was written by a reader Hazel Millichamp in exchange for two free tickets as part of South Leeds Goes To The Playhouse.

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