“Fun night out but forgettable plot”
Here You Come Again at the Lowry, Salford offers a humorous, Dolly Parton-infused take on pandemic life, but ultimately suffers from a paper-thin plot and a sense that its use of Parton’s music is more opportunistic than inspired.
The storyline, easily summed up as “someone hunkering down in COVID with Dolly,” feels slightly forced; many of Parton’s hits could be swapped with those from another pop icon without impacting the story. The decision to use Dolly Parton as the main “guide” in this COVID journey feels whimsical, even Mary Poppins-like, and while it adds a warm familiarity, it doesn’t quite justify her song catalogue here.
The performances, however, are exceptional. Tricia Paoluccio embodies Dolly with charm and humour, while Steven Webb brings an electric energy to his role. Kevin, the main character, shines as the show’s heart, using British humour to its fullest and providing relatable laughs, especially with scenes of accidentally disinfecting bread that capture the absurdity of early pandemic life. Flashback to singing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands and a very weird Boris Jonson cut-out that is forced night after night to have a new party in the middle of COVID. Yet, Kevin’s character feels somewhat shallow, leaning into many clichés that, while occasionally funny, miss the depth needed for more significant emotional engagement. Why is his self-esteem so low? Why is his relationship with his parents so cold? The final letter scene, though, was an emotional highlight, striking a poignant note that few other moments achieved.
Paul Wills’ set design is creative and adds visual interest, but there are moments where it feels crowded, as though trying to pack in more than the limited plot can hold. I get the realism of the set but it was too crowded for such a polished version of the show.
For fans of Parton’s music, hearing her hits performed by a talented cast is a treat, but not all numbers felt relevant, especially in the instance of “9 to 5” feeling awkwardly placed. We do need to hit the greatest hits, but how is this relevant to the plot? The show elicits laughs and light-hearted enjoyment, but it’s ultimately a fleeting experience, enjoyable but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.