A Dolly Parton-themed musical was forced to be suspended mid-performance after homophobic abuse was directed at the stage, an actor from the production has alleged.
Stevie Webb, a performer in Here You Come Again, stated that an incident took place at the Opera House in Manchester, where the entire cast had to leave the stage due to a woman expressing her disgust at the presence of a gay character in the show.
Mr Webb shared his experience on social media platform TikTok, revealing that the disturbance occurred last Wednesday and was followed by another on Saturday when a man in the audience had to be removed due to similar behaviour.
Incidents of abuse reported throughout the tour
The actor, who plays a devoted fan of country music icon Dolly Parton in the production, noted that similar incidents had also taken place during the musical’s run in London.
Recalling one such incident, Mr Webb described how a man had shouted an offensive slur before exclaiming, “I just want to see Dolly Parton.”
These events have left the performer shocked, as he admitted they had “really opened [his] eyes” to the extent of intolerance that still exists.
“We’re in such a bubble in this industry,” he said. “But travelling the country and seeing how many people literally cannot bear to see a gay person depicted on stage – it’s wild.”
Dolly Parton’s legacy of inclusivity
Dolly Parton has been a longstanding advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and other progressive causes. In 2014, she publicly voiced her support for same-sex marriage, reinforcing her stance as an ally. The star’s songs and persona have long been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, making the reaction of certain audience members even more surprising to many.
The musical Here You Come Again is described in promotional material as the story of “a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times.”
Theatre’s response to abusive behaviour
The Opera House in Manchester responded to the incidents, stating that such behaviour was “rare” and that any audience members engaging in abusive actions would be removed “immediately.”
While most theatre performances go ahead without incident, this case has highlighted the ongoing struggle against discrimination in the arts. Theatre remains a space that aims to reflect and celebrate diversity, and yet some audience members still resist such representation.
Wider implications for theatre and society
Mr Webb’s comments about being in a “bubble” within the industry underscore a broader discussion about the disconnect between the arts and wider societal attitudes. While the theatre world is often perceived as an inclusive and progressive environment, these incidents serve as a reminder that prejudices persist.
Theatre critics and industry professionals have since rallied around the cast, condemning the behaviour and calling for stronger protections for performers. Many have also pointed out that Dolly Parton’s message has always been one of kindness and acceptance, making such outbursts seem particularly misplaced in a show inspired by her music and legacy.
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The importance of representation
The backlash against the musical raises the question of why some still react so negatively to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. While progress has undoubtedly been made in terms of diversity on stage and screen, these incidents prove that challenges remain.
Fans of the show and Parton’s music have expressed their support for the cast, with many taking to social media to condemn the abusive behaviour. Supporters have also highlighted that the musical’s themes of resilience, self-discovery, and fandom should be enjoyed by all audiences, regardless of personal beliefs.
Looking forward
Despite these incidents, Here You Come Again continues its run, with the production committed to sharing its message with audiences across the country. Theatres and production companies are increasingly taking a stand against intolerance, ensuring that shows remain a place for inclusivity and artistic freedom.
As conversations around discrimination in entertainment continue, incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the work still needed to achieve genuine equality and acceptance in society.
