Dolly Parton musical heading to Birmingham

Dolly Parton’s biggest hits are on their way to Birmingham in a rollicking musical to be staged later this year at the city’s Alexandra Theatre.

Simon Friend Entertainment, in co-production with Leeds Playhouse, has announced that following its UK Premiere in Leeds from Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 June, Here You Come Again will feature at The Alexandra from 10 to 14 September.

Having enjoyed several successful runs across the United States, Here You Come Again was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio (who co-writes and stars as Dolly). It has now been adapted by acclaimed British TV and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street).

Packed with classic songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international star Dolly Parton gets him through trying times.

With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.

Director Gabriel Barre (pictured) said: “We are so excited to bring this gem of a show to the UK, following its successful regional tour in America. Setting it in the UK with a brilliant new British actor playing the lead role of Kevin, along with a creative UK design team, gives us a chance to take a fresh approach to a story that features all of Dolly’s biggest hits, along with her wit and wisdom, which the world needs today, more than ever.

“She will be gloriously brought to life by the American actor, Tricia Paoluccio, who has been stunning audiences everywhere, embodying the spirit, humour, and heart that have made Dolly an enduring icon.”

Producer Simon Friend added: “I’m delighted to be co-producing the UK premiere of Here You Come Again with the team at Leeds Playhouse. It’s a marvellously original and joyous new musical which celebrates the timeless classics of Dolly Parton, and lets us indulge in her biggest hits for a wonderful evening of theatre.”