West End star Steven Webb will star in the UK premiere production of Dolly Parton-inspired musical Here You Come Again.
Webb (The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre) who began his career 30 years ago at the London Palladium playing the title role in Sam Mendes production of Oliver!, will play comedian Kevin alongside co-writer Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly.
Commenting on his latest role, Webb said: “I’m beyond excited to be bringing Kevin to life here in the UK. I grew up listening to Dolly and other country music as my dad was a big fan. Twenty years ago, I was in a similar state to Kevin. I was down, a relationship had come clattering to a halt and I felt aimless. Then Dolly Parton played one night at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. So, I grabbed a ticket and took myself down there.
“Just like Kevin, I was inspired, galvanised and uplifted by Dolly and her message of love and perseverance. It was practically life-changing. And that’s why she means so much to so many people. It’s no coincidence that the hashtag WhatWouldDollyDo became a life motto for so many. Getting to sing and hear her biggest hits (and watch Tricia embody Dolly) every night is going to be the greatest gift a show could ever give.”
Written by double Emmy Award-winning comedy and song writer Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Paoluccio, Here You Come Again tells the story of a diehard fan of the Queen of Country whose fantasy version of Dolly gets him through the most trying times.
A co-production with Simon Friend Entertainment, the musical which has been adapted for the UK stage by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey will debut at Leeds Playhouse from 11 May until 8 June, ahead of a major UK tour.
As previously announced following the Leeds run the show will head for: Leicester, Newcastle, Canterbury, Nottingham, Liverpool, Southend, Cardiff, Brighton, Birmingham, Sheffield, Richmond, Glasgow, Norwich, Woking and Milton Keynes. In response to high public demand the tour has been extended with extra weeks in Cambridge, Malvern, Edinburgh, Cheltenham, Bath, Blackpool and Liverpool added to the itinerary.
Commenting on the show’s UK debut, director and co-writer Barre said: “We are so excited to bring this gem of a show to the UK, following its successful regional tour in America, and to also set it in the UK with a brilliant new British actor playing the lead role of Kevin, along with a creative UK design team and fresh approach to the storytelling that features all of Dolly’s biggest hits, along with her wit and wisdom which the world needs today, more than ever. And, she will be gloriously brought to life by the American actress, Tricia Paoluccio, who has been stunning audiences everywhere embodying the spirit, humour, and heart that have made Dolly an enduring icon.”
Co-producer Friend said: “I’m delighted to be co-producing the UK premiere of Here You Come Again with the team at Leeds Playhouse. It’s a marvellously original and joyous new musical which celebrates the timeless classics of Dolly Parton, and lets us indulge in her biggest hits for a wonderful evening of theatre.”
Leeds Playhouse’s artistic director and CEO James Brining added: “It is fantastic to be co-producing this joyous and heartfelt musical. We can’t wait to welcome the wonderful team to Leeds, to have the Playhouse filled with the sounds of Dolly and to share this incredible production with audiences across the UK after its run in Leeds.”
Angela Thomas
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