A Toe-Tapping Triumph: Here You Come Again Brings Dolly Magic to Milton Keynes Theatre! 🎶

If you’re a Dolly Parton fan (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), Here You Come Again is a rhinestone-studded delight that you simply can’t miss. Running at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 23rd November, this charming musical is a love letter to Dolly’s iconic career and larger-than-life personality. With a simply brilliant, stripped-back set and a talented small cast, it proves that big things come in small packages—just like Dolly herself!

The story is hilariously set during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding an extra layer of relatable charm. Kevin makes his unforgettable entrance by lobbing packs of toilet rolls through the window—a nod to the great toilet paper shortage of 2020. The show is peppered with laugh-out-loud pandemic references, from singing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands to relentless sanitising, and even a cheeky jab at Boris Johnson’s infamous ‘party.’ It’s all delivered with impeccable timing, making the shared experience of lockdown feel absurdly funny rather than heavy.

Steven Webb, who plays struggling gay comedian Kevin, is absolutely brilliant—a true comedy genius. As a forty-something stuck in his mum and dad’s attic, Kevin’s life is in freefall. He’s lost his job after his furlough ends and is juggling a troublesome relationship with Jeremy, an investment banker who’s clearly not the right fit for him. Webb delivers a hilarious, heartfelt performance that captures Kevin’s chaos and vulnerability, keeping the audience in stitches one moment and tugging on their heartstrings the next.

Equally sensational is Tricia Paoluccio, who brings Dolly Parton to life with such authenticity and charisma that it feels like the Queen of Country herself has graced the stage. Her vocals are nothing short of brilliant, with each song delivered with the heart and soul you’d expect from Dolly. A particular highlight was her performance of I Will Always Love You—a breathtaking moment when you could have heard a pin drop in the theatre. The emotion she conveyed in that song was spine-tingling and a true testament to her talent.

Credit must go to the talented writers behind this production - Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Tricia Paoluccio (who also delivers a sensational performance as Dolly). I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when the show began, and after a busy week, I was a little confused by the opening premise. But as the story unfolded, the clever concept became clear, and I quickly realised the brilliance behind it. It’s different, it’s bold, and it’s a triumph for the writers, who have pulled off a stunning show filled with laughs, stellar musical performances, and razor-sharp comedy. Their creativity shines through every moment, making Here You Come Again a uniquely entertaining masterpiece.

But the magic of the show truly shines in its musical moments, particularly when the cast broke into Islands in the Stream. As the theatre lit up with phone torches, the audience became part of the performance, creating a breathtaking moment of unity and connection. It was a scene that sent shivers down your spine and reminded everyone of the power of live theatre to bring people together.

The set is simple yet genius, with clever design elements that transport you seamlessly between the intimate moments and the sparkle of Dolly’s world. The small cast delivers powerhouse performances, with pitch-perfect harmonies, boundless energy, and, of course, the unmistakable charisma you’d expect from anything associated with Dolly.

Packed with classics like Jolene, 9 to 5, and the titular Here You Come Again, the show is a musical feast for Dolly devotees. But even if you don’t know your Parton from your Presley, the sheer joy and charm of the production will win you over. It’s dazzling, uplifting, and oozing with feel-good vibes—exactly what we all need.

The finale is an electrifying mashup of Dolly’s greatest hits, a medley of classics that pulls the entire audience into the magic. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—yes, you can get your cameras out for this bit! With everyone on their feet, clapping, singing, and dancing along, it’s less of a performance and more of a celebration, making you feel completely part of the production. It’s the perfect way to end a dazzling show, leaving you buzzing long after the final curtain call.

Grab your tickets while you can and prepare to leave the theatre with a smile wider than Dolly’s own collection of wigs. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the magic of Dolly, Here You Come Again is a toe-tapping triumph that reminds us to "stop looking in the mirror and start looking through the window."