If you were expecting Here You Come Again to be a biopic of Dolly Parton, you are in for a surprise – in a good way. Adapted for the UK by Jonathan Harvey, Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio’s new musical has arrived in Cardiff after several successful runs across the States. This feelgood musical, based around the songs and philosophies of Dolly, showcases the legend’s inimitable brand of self-belief, glamour and humour – but is set, less expectedly, in the cluttered attic of a Halifax home during the height of 2020’s COVID epidemic.
Kevin, played last night by understudy Aidan Cutler, is a Dolly fanboy suffering from a midlife crisis of confidence. He’s 40 years old, fat and feels a failure, having just been dumped by his boyfriend and struggling in his career as a comedian. Isolating alone in his adolescent attic bedroom, surrounded by Parton paraphernalia, in the midst of his despair and self-loathing, he asks himself, “What would Dolly do?” – and like a fairy godmother, in a puff of smoke and glitter she appears.
This brings us to Tricia Paoluccio, who is a marvel. Not only does she look like Dolly, albeit a few inches taller, she sounds just like her, from the catches in her Southern accent to the distinctive giggling and wisecracking. Everything about her performance is flawless, the highlights being her beautiful renditions of Love Is Like A Butterfly and I Will Always Love You.
Cutler is also a triumph, especially when handling Kenny Rogers’ part on Islands In The Stream. His portrayal of Kevin combines camp comedy with a heartfelt and bittersweet narrative about overcoming self-doubt and being true to yourself. As Dolly says: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow you gotta put up with the rain.”
Here You Come Again’s fresh approach to the jukebox musical format went down well with this Cardiff audience. All the hits are here, from the classic Jolene to the toetapping 9 To 5, and the singalong finale saw everyone up on their feet with a smile on their face. An ode to the star’s talents and her unique ability to find the positive in life’s hardships through her music, as well as her extensive back catalogue, we could all use a little Dolly in our lives!
Here You Come Again, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 27 Aug
On until Sat 31 Aug. Tickets: £18-£55. Info: here
words SARAH EDWARDS
