Here You Come Again – New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon

Writer: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre & Tricia Paoluccio (Additional Material: Jonathan Harvey)
Director: Gabriel Barre

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Delightfully Charming“

4.5 / 5

Kevin is over 40, fresh out of a breakup and stuck in his parents’ attic due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Struggling to remain positive, he spends his nights drinking himself to sleep and listening to Dolly Parton records on repeat.

Manifesting her presence in his childhood bedroom somehow works, even if it is just through his imagination – and the pair embark on some earnest discussions about his life, ambitions and worries, all in between performances of her greatest hits. Dolly fans will love the creative way she’s incorporated into the show, but even those less enthusiastic about her, will be completely entranced by Kevin’s endearing personality and relatable struggle during a time where many faced similar issues of loneliness, sadness and confusion. The dialogue between the duo is filled with affirmations and encouragement, and with the small cast, it definitely feels a lot more intimate than your typical jukebox style musical, focusing more on the script than the songs – which at points, are a little forced, rather than blended into the storyline. That being said, nobody can complain with a rushed addition of another Parton song, especially not when it’s performed as enjoyably as they are by the talented performers.

Steven Webb as Kevin is absolutely exceptional – natural, charming, comedic and heartfelt, he completely wins over the audience and becomes as loved as the iconic Dolly herself. His believable reactions to Dolly appearing in his bedroom, humorous quips and abundance of energy makes him the beating heart of the show, while his poignant scenes as he showcases his struggling mental health are done with a touching level of emotion. Dolly (Tricia Paoluccio) is a hard figure to emulate, but Paoluccio does a brilliant job imitating her bubbly, yet humble demeanour, wonderfully capturing the essence of her personality.

The cluttered attic bedroom designed by Paul Wills is perfectly intricate. From the saucepan hanging next to the window for the weekly NHS clap, to the little trinkets dotted around the room, it immediately sets the scene with a homely, familial atmosphere. Also designed by Wills, are Dolly’s glitter and rhinestone laden outfits that contribute to the fabulously sparkling, authentic Dolly Parton look.  

Here You Come Again is a fantastically warm production, filled with uplifting messages of hope and resilience, embedded with a catalogue of Dolly Parton’s best loved songs.

Runs until 22^nd February 2025, then continues to tour