Here You Come Again at The Lowry - a rollicking, joyous rhinestone-studded celebration of Dolly Parton

What would Dolly do? That’s the question Kevin, a forty-something amateur comedian asks himself whilst living in his parent’s attic during the pandemic.

Down on his luck in many ways, he’s feeling alone and hopeless as his relationship, career and social life lies in tatters. So naturally, he calls upon his musical idol Dolly Parton to impart some words of wisdom, sing a few of her biggest hits, and just generally just give him a bit of a reality check.

Following several successful runs across the United States, the feelgood musical celebrates the legacy of Tennessee's finest and is interwoven with some of her most iconic tunes. From Jolene and 9 to 5, to Islands in the Stream, and of course, Here You Come Again, her upbeat and soulful country hits provide the soundtrack to one man’s experience of living through Covid-19.

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Sounds a bit heavy for a Tuesday night right? Well not quite, because as theatre-goers - many decked out in cowboy hats and gemstone-encrusted jackets - take their seats, it soon becomes apparent that this earnest and heartfelt production is able to find humour, even in the most difficult of times.

Originally written by two-time Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays Dolly), the version being performed on UK stages this autumn has been adapted by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street).

Taking us back to the first year of the pandemic, the musical takes place in the single location of Kevin’s attic bedroom adorned with Dolly posters, records and a few bottles of wine to drown his sorrows. Instantly pulling us back to the claustrophobia and uncertainty, we see the protagonist - played excellently by Steven Webb - isolated from his elderly parents, disinfecting shopping and banging pots out of the window for the NHS.

But from the outset he brings both humour and heart to the role, and when joined by an imaginary version of his musical idol, he - and the audience - can’t help but feel lifted by Dolly’s presence. Despite not being able to catch a break, the character’s wit and comedic timing shines through in this role, and as it progresses, you can really feel the audience rooting for him.

Tricia’s portrayal of Dolly is spot on, so much so that you feel like the singer might actually be in the room. Far from a tribute act though, her vocals on heavy hitter renditions like I Will Always Love You are immaculate, while her uncanny ability to deliver the lines with Dolly’s trademark smile and laugh, is utterly compelling.

At times, it feels a little saccharine, and like it might be treading the fine line between musical theatre and pantomime, but both Steven and Tricia’s comedic timing, pulls it back from the edge. Equally, some may have been expecting a high stakes production, but by focusing the musical around the single attic space, it gives the actor’s skill and talent the space to breathe.

Set in one of the most difficult and fraught periods in recent history, this musical could easily have been bogged down, but is pure, unadulterated joy with some of the singer's biggest hits on full show. Some may find it a tad too earnest, but as the nights roll in and the darkness descends, it feels like we could all do with a little Dolly sparkle - and gemstones - to get us through the next few weeks and months.

The show continues its run at Lowry to Saturday 2nd November. Tickets are available from The Lowry here.