Review of Here You Come Again at Norwich Theatre Royal: This wonderful new and funny musical is life-affirming
Here You Come Again – Theatre Royal, Norwich
Grab your rhinestones and pink Stetson and bag yourself a ticket to this wonderful new and very funny musical about the iconic American country music star Dolly Parton.
The first thing to know is that it most definitely isn’t a tribute act as Tricia Paoluccio captures Dolly’s vocal range and mannerisms but adds a hefty chunk of her own personality, too.
The show is really a two-hander between Dolly and 40-year-old Kevin, isolated in his parent’s attic in Halifax, surrounded by Dolly memorabilia, during the Covid pandemic.
He’s struggling with a failing relationship, a career going nowhere, and general malaise. Enter Dolly, in a mass of sparkle and high heels, as his guardian angel, fairy godmother, and inner self - call it what you will.
Dolly, with the help of a host of hits including Here You Come Again, Jolene, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, helps Kevin find himself again, reboot his life and get some self-worth - so it’s all good life-affirming stuff!
West End favourite Steven Webb (you might have caught him in Book of Mormon) is outstanding as the nervy Kevin.
His voice is gorgeous and there’s plenty of genuine chemistry between him and Paoluccio - who was also involved in creating this musical which is heading to the West End.
The show continues until Saturday, visit: www.norwichtheatre.org
Review by Sarah Hardy
