Never has that been more true than with Here You Come Again, a new musical which combines memories of the Covid pandemic with the songs of Dolly Parton.

Steven Webb, Tricia Paoluccio and musicians and singers in Here You Come Again (Picture: Hugo Glendinning)On paper it sounds too improbable, too contrived to be effective and I’ve got to say I was sceptical about the whole premise. And yet the charm and sugar-coated optimism of the show; the underlying message about believing in yourself and the general feeling of warmth it leaves you with totally won me over.

Of course it helps that the show features the songs of Dolly Parton and a quite remarkable vocal performance by Tricia Paoluccio as the legendary country singer. Close your eyes and Dolly’s there on stage – amazing.

As many new shows opt for the cast of thousands approach, the pared back nature of Here You Come Again is refreshing.

Read also: ‘Being Dolly Parton is honour of a lifetime’

It’s effectively a two-hander with Steven Webb playing Kevin, a 40-something would-be comedian spending lockdown in his childhood attic room – a veritable shrine to Dolly – at his parents’ home near Halifax. He’s been dumped by his boyfriend and the world is looking bleak.

To the rescue comes Dolly Parton who materialises through a poster on his wall – the illusions in the show are an added bonus – a bewigged Mary Poppins-like magical figure who gets him to believe in himself.

Without the excellent performances from the two main characters this show would just fall flat. But Steven Webb is just great as Kevin. He’s a bundle of nervous energy, addressing the audience and revelling in the character.

Combine this with Tricia Paoluccio’s Dolly Parton and you are on to a most unlikely winner.

Steven Webb and Tricia Paoluccio in Here You Come Again (Picture: Hugo Glendinning)It really shouldn’t work, but it does. It’s not a jukebox musical even though 15 Dolly Parton songs feature in the show. It has a genuine storyline and a gentle warmth to it.

The show isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself or at Dolly herself. The fact her songs often cover the darkest topics which contrast with her rainbows and unicorns image is mined for comedy effect.

You can also detect the hand of Jonathan Harvey, award-winning writer of Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and on Coronation Street, who adapted the original American show for UK audiences. It’s the little details, particularly about life in lockdown such as disinfecting the shopping and cheering for the NHS that strike a chord. It’s only four years ago and yet you’ll be feeling almost nostalgic.

The live musicians and two backing singers – who are also called upon to provide extra characters when needed – are all first rate. Then you have the songs themselves. For a Dolly fan the show is worth going just to hear them performed so well. And although of course you get Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You – there are also lesser known numbers to savour.

At a time when the world is in a mess, sometimes you just need a bit of joy. Bonkers as it may be, but Here You Come Again provides that. It’s not Shakespeare, it’s not high art but it doesn’t set out to be. It’s just a fun show with plenty of heart and in my book, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Here You Come Again is at The Lowry until Saturday then at Blackpool Grand Theatre from November 26 to 30