The latest performance at the Lowry, Here You Come Again was the perfect blend of comedy and joy, perfectly demonstrating how music can transform people’s lives.
The story begins with the main character Kevin, played excellently by Steven Webb, going through a mid-life crisis during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Being set in 2020, the show simply offers audiences humour and relatability, rather than the expected repetitiveness.
Throughout the performance, visitors of the show are offered funny references to 2020 trends which set the scene perfectly.
During the pandemic, everyone tried to escape to something, and Kevin chose Dolly Parton’s music.
Kevin is living on his own in his childhood bedroom, in the attic, after leaving his boyfriend and is left surrounded by all his old Dolly Parton memorabilia.
When stuck in a query, he asked himself “What would Dolly do” and instantly with a bang, Dolly Parton, played by Tricia Paoluccio, appears from his poster into his childhood bedroom.
Paoluccio played Dolly perfectly, excellently capturing her well-known country twang, and wonderful cheeky charm.
This was further shown with her angelic voice, as her renditions of Parton’s songs especially ‘I will always love you’ were sung flawlessly.
Her vocals were enhanced by the crowd who couldn’t help but sing along!
Audience participation was prioritised and encouraged throughout the show as Dolly not only took Kevin on a Journey, but took the crowd along with them and it felt like she was healing the crowd, whilst healing Kevin.
The audience clearly fell in love with Kevin’s character, and Webb’s portrayal had the crowd loudly laughing and giggling throughout the whole show (which was slightly ironic as his character was a failing comedian).
The connection between himself and the audience was impeccable, allowing the crowd to feel every emotion he presented on the stage.
The show Here We Go Again was a perfect representation of how music can alter people’s lives for the better.
Dolly served as Kevin’s personal guardian angel throughout the show an taught him, through the power of music, how to believe in himself, and find his purpose. Dolly taught Kevin how to have faith in himself and that only he can be responsible for his own happiness.
The happiness was shared, with the songs fitting the narrative of the play perfectly, being crucial to understanding parts of the storyline, which was a fascinating composition making the show even more enjoyable to watch.
The show was enlightening and motivational, and while you could relate to Kevin and feel pity for him, the overriding mood of the show was heartwarming and radiant.
The audience couldn’t resist a sing along, clap and foot tap when some of Dolly’s biggest hits started playing such as 9 to 5, Island’s in the stream and Jolene and the show finished with a crowd singalong of all the songs played throughout the show.
That can only be described as the perfect way to end such a heartwarming, joyous, merry musical.
The incredible backing singers and live band were a perfect contribution to make the music feel even more personable and special!
Even if you are not a Dolly Parton super fan, this cheery musical will still appeal to you, due to its universal sense of happiness that the audience feel.
Everyone seemed to leave with a smile on their face at the end of the show, after the magical experience of spending two hours in the presence of a country superstar.
Here You Come Again is being shown at The Lowry Theatre until Saturday 2nd November.
More information and tickets can be found here.
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