Seriously? Homophobic Outbursts Are Still Interpreting The Dolly Parton Musical In The UK!
You might think a musical celebrating the icon Dolly Parton would be a joyful, welcoming space. Yet, the UK tour of Here You Come Again is facing repeated disruptions from homophobic audience members. It is a disturbing trend that is marring performances.
What is wrong with people? https://t.co/yHhXD5I22T
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 11, 2025
The show centres on a gay Dolly fan who finds strength through an imaginary version of the singer during tough times. According to reports highlighted by LGBTQ Nation, these incidents are becoming alarmingly frequent.
Actor Stevie Webb Takes To TikTok To Share Experiences
Stevie Webb, who plays the show’s gay protagonist, recently shared his experiences online. He detailed several shocking incidents where patrons shouted abuse. Webb explained via TikTok just how often paying customers have been removed for shouting anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs at the stage. He described the number ejected simply for homophobia as “insane”.
Webb recounted specific events from their run in Manchester. “Just this week in Manchester alone, we had to eject someone who was shouting out slurs,” he stated. Another night was even more dramatic. “On Wednesday, we had to stop the whole show. We had to do an entire show stop, leave the stage, because a woman was so disgusted that there was a gay character onstage.”
He described how the woman’s shouting led to a “massive sort of ruckus” with other audience members before she was removed, pausing the performance for 15 to 20 minutes. Webb noted these kinds of disruptions happen “nearly every single week”, calling the London run “the worst” where one man shouted the slur “f*****t” directly at the stage.
Producers Condemn ‘Abhorrent Behaviour’
Following the attention from Webb’s social media posts, the producers of Here You Come Again issued a strong statement.
On February 11, they took to Instagram to make their position clear.
“In light of homophobic comments and abuse directed at our company, the producers of Here You Come Again condemn this abhorrent behaviour in the strongest way,” the statement read. “Individuals making such comments are not welcome at our show.
They have been – and will be – ejected from the theatre immediately. We stand against all forms of prejudice and are extremely proud of the inclusivity and respect which Here You Come Again celebrates.” It is a firm stance against the hate they have encountered.
Why Target Dolly? Webb Reflects On The Hate
Webb expressed his shock that a show linked to Dolly Parton, a longtime, vocal LGBTQIA+ ally, would attract such vitriol. “It’s really opened my eyes, ‘cause we’re in such a bubble in this industry. But traveling the country and seeing how many people literally cannot bear to see a gay person depicted onstage — it’s wild. I feel very sorry for them,” Webb reflected sadly. He added, “It’d be like if I had that reaction to the color blue, because it exists, it’s not going anywhere.”
In a follow-up video, Webb acknowledged the huge wave of support he received, but also the hateful comments he had to filter. “That’s just part of it, isn’t it?” he asked rhetorically. “That’s part of the way we have to f**king live.”
“I’ve got transgender people. Ive got gays. I've got lesbians. Ive got drunks. Ive got drug addicts – all within my own family. I know and love them all, and I do not judge.”
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) February 26, 2025
– Dolly Parton to @THR pic.twitter.com/7lzUiymmY9
He addressed why these few negative incidents stand out despite overwhelming audience positivity, using an analogy from Stephen Fry. “If there’s a pristine, beautiful, tranquil swimming pool in front of you and you get in, but there’s just a little tiny turd bobbing up and down at the other end, you’d hyperfocus on that,” Webb explained. “So, that’s why it does irk me. And that’s why it does pull focus.” His main concern? The impact on everyone else trying to enjoy the show. “It disturbs our audience and it affects their enjoyment.”
His final message to the hecklers disrupting the performances was simple and direct: “I’m sorry about your life, and we don’t do refunds!”
