Melbourne's stacked program of stage shows is showing no signs of slowing down, with a heartwarming hit arriving in our city soon. It’s time to pull on your cowboy boots, tumble out of bed and stumble to the theatre, because the hit Dolly Parton inspired musical comedy Here You Come Again is about to be unleashed on Aussie audiences.
With a stamp of approval from the country queen herself, the musical is packed with all of Dolly’s most iconic songs – including ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’ – this hilarious show will play in Melbourne as part of an Australian tour this year, following sold-out seasons across the US and UK.
The tour will kick off at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from July 12, before promenading over to Sydney’s Theatre Royal September 12. Dates and venues for Perth, Canberra, Newcastle and Adelaide will also be announced soon.
Not to be confused with 9 to 5 the Musical, which made its Australian debut a few years ago, or Hello, I’m Dolly, the bio-musical co-created by Dolly herself, which is set to open on Broadway in 2026 – Here You Come Again channels the spirit of the universally-loved country queen’s heartfelt and sassy style to tell the story of a diehard fan, whose fantasy version of Dolly Parton helps him navigate life's toughest challenges.
This dazzling production will land in Australia with an all-star cast, including co-creator Tricia Paoluccio who is returning to the role of Dolly, alongside Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) and an all-Australian ensemble with a live band.
“I've loved Dolly my whole life and have been singing her songs since I was a little girl… Having Dolly’s personal stamp of approval on this piece makes it even more special, and I can’t wait to bring this production to Australia,” says Paoluccio.
Paoluccio co-created this feel-good show with two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and songwriter Bruce Vilanch, in collaboration with director Gabriel Barre. The UK adaptation is penned by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Coronation Street) and has been adapted for the Australian stage by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish, with musical direction by Andrew Worboys and lighting design by Jason Bovaird.
Tickets for Melbourne and Sydney will be on sale from Friday, March 14, over at hereyoucomeagain.com.au. You can also sign up to waitlists to be the first to know when seasons are confirmed for Perth, Newcastle, Canberra, and Adelaide.
Time to start teasing your hair and gathering your rhinestones, we’ll catch you cowgirls in the foyer!
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