Review, Here You Come Again Tour, The Opera House Manchester

Last night, I was so lucky to get the chance to enjoy a couple of hours of pure joy watching the Here You Come Again, UK Tour at The Opera House Manchester. Now I got the wrong end of the stick with this show; had I known what it was about, I might have avoided it. But let me tell you, this would have been a mistake of epic proportions.

Here You Come Again is the most heartwarming and funny show I have ever seen. It’s pure genius made with love from a subject we maybe want to avoid, but I have never laughed so much, so let me try to unpick this one.

What Is Here You Come Again About

Here You Come Again, written by playwright Bruce Vilanch and collaborators Tricia Paoluccio and Gabriel Barre, with material from Jonathon Harvey. The show blends humor and storytelling with Dolly Parton’s iconic songs. 

It’s 2020 and 40-something, Dolly Parton devotee Kevin (Steven Webb) is isolating at his parents’ home in his childhood bedroom. He is on a break from his controlling boyfriend, and life is not good. There is only one thing that can get him through this!

Like an angel, Dolly Parton (Emma Jane Fearnley) appears to help Kevin deal with the past and what’s ahead. Filled with much-loved songs, Dolly and Kevin take a hilarious look at Kevin’s life and set a plan of positivity.

My Review of Here You Come Again

In the first minute, I wondered if this show was for me. But it took me all of four minutes to fall head over heels in love with Kevin and the whole concept of the show. I am still trying to work out if it is genius writing or Steven Webb is naturally hilarious, or maybee it’s just a combination made in heaven. As every move, eye roll and leg flick was hilarous.

The set was brilliant, representing what a childhood bedroom might look like through an adult’s eyes. But never moved. I mean, we didn’t in 2020, did we? And this was represented perfectly, as poor Keven demonstrated the cabin fever we all know well. And then Dolly arrives in a puff of smoke, and Kevin’s world becomes a better place.

Set to the backdrop of some of Dolly’s biggest hits, Kevin and Dolly embark on a musical extravaganza which I can only describe as a most hilariously heartwarming masterpiece. It’s like a play, comedy, musical and piece of art rolled into one, and it’s stunning.

Emma Jane Fearnley doesn’t just play Dolly; she is Dolly! Her voice is absolutely incredible. And Steven Webb? He nailed it! His inner Dolly shone through in every note! The ensemble delivered a phenomenal performance, enriching the story with their energy and talent.

This was such a joyous show, but it felt like the shortest. Honestly, in the blink of an eye, almost two and a half hours had flown by, and the audience was up cheering and dancing to the finale. This is one not to miss. Stand out moments? All of it, but if I had to choose, Jolene was comedy gold. I was crying with laughter.

Where Can You See It

Here You Come Again is playing at the Opera House Manchester until the 8th February, with tickets from £21.00, and then at…….

• The Sunderland Empire, Tue 11 Feb – Sat 15 Feb 2025
• New Wimbledon Theatre, Tue 18 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 2025

Disclaimer, I was gifted the tickets for review purposes. However all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House.