Review: Here You Come Again is showing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal

Gay, vibrant and filled with heart and humour in equal measure, Here You Come Again radiates joy.

The Dolly Parton inspired musical, which is now showing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, is one of those rare pieces of art which has the ability to bring everyone together through universal experiences and emotions.

Let’s take a moment and cast our minds back to the surreal times of the Covid pandemic, which is where we set our scene.

Never leaving the house without a face mask, disinfecting the shopping, job furloughs, social distancing, even the madness of stockpiling toilet paper.

Looking back, it almost didn't feel real, but it was something we all went through and can sympathise with.

It is against this backdrop that we meet Kevin, a 40-something-year-old who has recently moved back in with his parents in Yorkshire.

Going through a long-distance break up, worrying about the future, and struggling to come to terms with his new reality, Kevin seeks refuge in the music of his idol Dolly Parton.

In his moment of need, like a guardian angel Dolly appears to guide him through, with a tune, a dance and a healthy amount of southern country advice.

Steven Webb, as Kevin, does an excellent job at connecting with the audience.

His ups and down, thoughts and feelings, every aspect we recognised in ourselves and so we want to see him triumph and succeed.

Tricia Paoluccio is wonderful as Dolly and at times make you forget that you are not watching the iconic country music star herself.

Filled with greatest hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, and of course Here You Come Again, this was the one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had at the theatre.

The show also teaches a very simple message, sometimes it’s better to “stop looking in mirrors and start looking out of windows”.

Meaning if we spend so much time worrying and over scrutinising ourselves, we forget to stop, look around and see how much beauty there is in the world.

So when we’re at our lowest and all seems hopeless, we can appreciate life in all it’s complexities and find the good that surrounds us.

This was an unexpectedly brilliant, funny, and at times deeply emotional show.

It was something I would never normally have thought to go to, but one I’m glad I did as I left the theatre filled with positivity and Dolly’s back catalogue stuck on repeat in my head.

Here You Come Again is showing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until this Saturday, July 13.

— FB.