An unexpected delight on so many levels, Here You Come Again takes the jukebox musical format and moulds it into something truly wonderful. Rather than viewing the dialogue as merely a vehicle to drive us from song to song, this sweet, homespun storyline comes with a never-ending supply of wit, warmth and charm. Noticeably, the show has the seal of approval from Dolly Parton herself, but her songwriting genius is just one of the secrets to its success.

Originally written by Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Bruce Vilanch, the script has since been taken in hand by British TV writer Jonathan Harvey; due to the context, his involvement is key. Set in 2020, with the nation held fast in covid’s grip the show centres on Kevin, a 40-year-old man forced to return to his parents’ attic during lockdown. He’s been dumped by his boyfriend, furloughed from his job behind the bar at a comedy club, and his dreams of becoming a comedian himself look increasingly hollow. All of which is conveyed brilliantly by actor Steven Webb who takes us back to those long, uncertain days of handwashing, toilet-roll buying and disinfecting shopping. With each country experiencing the pandemic in different ways, Harvey’s script additions are note-perfect for a UK audience.

Webb already has us in the palm of his hands, but when Tricia Paoluccio arrives on stage, Here You Come Again shoots for the stars and scores. With his old attic bedroom walls adorned by Dolly Parton posters and shelves filled with LPs, Kevin looks to the country singer’s lyrics for guidance. Her arrival (via the magic of poster travel) finds him actually receiving advice from his musical heroine, as she props herself on the end of his bed to impart words of wisdom. Paoluccio is stunning as Parton, not only sounding like her as she belts out ‘Jolene’, ‘9 To 5’, ‘Islands In The Stream’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ (and more), but talking and laughing exactly like her, too. 

During one impactful day and night, Kevin considers his life choices and rewrites his own narrative, aided and abetted by Parton and a series of well-placed songs (plus a team of talented musicians who also double as his mum, dad and boss). Despite the indisputably ridiculous conceit of a music legend magically appearing in your bedroom, Here You Come Again feels incredibly relatable and rooted in reality. Kevin’s dreams are no different from ours and this genuine, heartfelt tale has us laughing out loud and shedding tears of recognition.

Here You Come Again tours until Saturday 7 December; reviewed at Edinburgh Playhouse.