REVIEW - Here You Come Again is a heartwarming tale of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of music – all wrapped up in a rhinestone-studded bow

On Wednesday, we were invited to the Opera House in Manchester to Here You Come Again - The New Dolly Parton Musical. Read what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this brill production...

Here You Come Again – the name alone sparks excitement, and this dazzling Dolly Parton musical has made its way to Manchester’s Opera House. Packed with heart, humour, and a whole load of rhinestones, this feel-good show is a must-see for country music lovers and Dolly megafans. I love a bit of Dolly (I mean who doesn’t?) but my knowledge of her songs is pretty limited to her top hits, though I was still excited to see what this Dolly musical would be like. 

The show follows the story of Kevin, a down-on-his-luck fan navigating personal struggles, who finds unexpected guidance in an imagined version of Dolly herself. Think of the ultimate Guardian Angel - that’s where Dolly comes in. Set in the midst of the 2020 Pandemic and the height of lockdown, we see Kevin struggle to come to terms with loneliness, heartbreak and living in the same four walls. Through a whirlwind of wisdom, wit, and world-class songwriting, Dolly helps Kevin rediscover his spark. 

We were treated to Emma Jane Fearnley (People Places and Things, Betty Blue Eyes, Made in Dagenham) as Dolly Parton, who is the Understudy for the show. Fearnley’s portrayal of Dolly Parton really had a mixture of Dolly’s sweet nature and grit, not forgetting the country twang in her singing voice to mimic Dolly’s signature style. She captures the essence of the country queen with effortless charm, comedic timing, and, of course, a powerhouse voice that does justice to every iconic hit. 

Playing opposite her, Steven Webb (Oliver!, The Book of Mormon, The History Boys) shines as Kevin, delivering a performance filled with warmth, vulnerability, and brilliant comedic moments. Webb’s physical comedy really brought the one-liners to life, adding a little extra flair to the dialogue and really over-emphasising the melodramatic moments. The chemistry between the two is delightful, making every scene feel authentic and deeply engaging. 

The production itself is a visual delight. The set design is a standout element, bringing both Kevin’s modest living space and Dolly’s fantastical world to life with ease. His room is literally a Dolly Parton shrine, think of an attic space decked out with all sorts of old memorabilia but also used as a living space. The attention to detail in the props and staging adds to the storytelling, making the transition between reality and fantasy seamless and visually striking.

The music is of course the big hitter with Here You Come Again, and this show is a Dolly Parton fan’s dream come true. From the anthemic 9 to 5 to the heartfelt I Will Always Love You, each song is performed with energy and emotion, and somehow are written in to relate to each moment of the show. The standout for me was Islands In The Stream (a personal fave!) which was performed as if Dolly and Kevin were live on stage. 

Here You Come Again is a heartwarming tale of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of music – all wrapped up in a rhinestone-studded bow. If you’re looking for a 0night of simple, country music joy, it’s the perfect pick. The dazzling set and infectious energy make this a production a must see for Dolly lovers - so grab your cowboy boots and don’t miss out!

WE SCORE HERE YOU COME AGAIN...




Here You Come Again - The New Dolly Parton Musical is on at the Opera House, Manchester until Saturday 8th February 2025


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