Dolly Parton is the best fairy godmother a boy could wish for
Covid 19 is the starting point for this full of heart, funny, sad and even thoughtful showcase of Dolly hits! It’s not a biopic but a handy story to celebrate some of her greatest hits and the words of wisdom and kindness Dolly is also widely known for.
We begin with Kevin, a 40 year old man climbing a ladder into his parent’s attic in Halifax where he is waiting out the Covid lockdown. He’s been furloughed from his waiters’ job at a comedy club and dumped by his boyfriend. Things are looking glum.
We join him in mask and marigolds as he climbs through a window into his old room (to avoid contact with his elderly parent’s downstairs) and starts to wipe down his shopping which consists largely of loo rolls and red wine… oh those days.
Lonely and adrift in his teenage attic bedroom, poor Kevin is in crisis amongst all the dusty 90s nostalgia, the room a poster clad shrine to his teen icon Dolly Parton.
As Kevin hits rock bottom amidst the Dettol and empty wine bottles, little does he know that Dolly is keeping a quiet eye on those in need. In Kevins super fan head or in Kevins attic? Either way Dolly sweeps in to impart sparkle and advice, offering comfort and council through the power of country music and tales of her own difficult times.
I’m fortunate enough to have seen Dolly perform live and Tricia Palacio delivers a remarkable performance as the iconic country legend. Her vocal talent goes without saying but she has also perfected Dollys spoken voice, walk, winks, head tilts and infectious giggle. She was genuinely mesmerising. Her light heartedness and good humoured positivity a perfect combination with Steven Webbs comedic camp energy as lovable Kevin. Who, while lonely, sad and uncertain of his value and future, shines bright under the influence of Dolly's life lessons set to song.
In the two acts we heard some of her greatest hits, some accompanied with song and dance from Kevin. Jolene mimed with a hilarious routine from Kevin, Love is a Butterfly, 9-5, I Will Always Love You and more. Me and Little Andy led to a conversation about some of her more melancholy works and perhaps the bleak nature of much country music, there are quite a few touches on mental health and hardship. Dolly had a hard upbringing but continued to pull herself up, make the most of what she had and shared it with others. Just the encouragement a forlorn 40 year old in childhood bedroom lockdown needs.
The northern attic is wonderfully detailed and lit, add all the sparkles you’d expect to see Dolly adorned in, some standout country vocal harmonies from Adam Cutter and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke in the ensemble roles powered by a fine onstage band, and you have a recipe for some real country music magic.
Loud, fast paced, colourful and uplifting Here You Come Again is a must see show for any Dolly Parton fan, whether you know all the words and have your own bedroom posters, or just the one song.
Here You Come Again plays at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until 13 July 2024.
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