Here You Come Again – Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring

Here You Come Again was reviewed at Milton Keynes Theatre. The tour continues until 22 February 2025.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

Dolly Parton has set up residency this week at Milton Keynes Theatre, but Here You Come Again is far from a tribute act; it’s a show with a surprisingly touching story which will have you laughing, smiling and sobbing. With comedy at its heart, Here You Come Again is a fun night out for everyone, not just the die hard Dolly fans.

Set during the Covid-19 lockdown, Kevin (Steven Webb) has broken up with his boyfriend, lost his job and had to move back into his parent’s loft. At 40, life isn’t looking the way he had hoped. Having been a Dolly fanatic since a young age, Kevin’s childhood room is covered in Dolly posters and memorabilia, but when he’s at his lowest ebb, he never would have imagined that he’d be able to conjure the real-life Dolly to help him get his life back on track.

All of Dolly’s greatest hits from ‘9 to 5’ to ‘Jolene’ are cleverly weaved into this storyline, adding the right emotions at the right time. Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly performs her role fantastically. Every one of the famous songs that she belts out makes an impact, sounding just like the real Dolly, which is some big rhinestone-studded cowboy boots to fill! The soundtrack is brought to life by the versatile live band, which adapts quickly to Dolly’s varied back catalogue.

It is also great to see the flexibility of additional band members, Kevin Oliver Jones and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke, who smoothly transition from backing vocals to the voices of Kevin’s parents and ex-boyfriend. The small cast have a lot of work on their hands to drive the show, which they effortlessly succeed at. The focus is understandably placed on Paoluccio as Dolly and Webb as Kevin, but the two actors take to their roles with ease and confidence. The audience quickly fall in love with both characters and are committed to their journeys.

Lastly, the set and costumes designed by Paul Wills are a feast for the eyes. The set remains throughout, apart from the final scene, and gives an insight into Kevin’s loft room with so much thought and detail given to all the props. There are labelled boxes and 1990s toys, as well as the remnants of the pandemic – the Boris cutout produces plenty of giggles. As much attention is given to Dolly’s costumes, which are as fabulous as you would expect from the Queen of Country.

Here You Come Again is a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to end. I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting a light-hearted night at the theatre.

Hannah Grimmette