Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about The Dollly Show, which headed to Middlesbrough Theatre on Friday 23rd January. The Dolly Show is as close as I think I will get to seeing Dolly Parton live. So, grab your rhinestones and settle in, the review is about to begin!
Disclaimed: I was gifted a pair of free tickets in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment the show begins, it’s clear that The Dolly Show knows exactly what it’s there to do: celebrate the music, the life and the sheer star quality of Dolly Parton. Packed with classic hits that span decades, this is a night built on nostalgia, fun and a genuine love for the material so many of us are fans of.
The set list is a real crowd-pleaser, featuring many of Dolly’s best-known tracks alongside some clever musical twists. Kelly O’brien (Dolly) delivered an acappella number, that stands out as a real highlight of the evening, stripping everything back and allowing the vocals to shine. It’s a confident choice, and one that paid off hugely, holding the audience’s attention in a way only strong, assured performance can.
Elsewhere, the show has a lot of fun with its arrangements. A disco mix brought a real burst of energy and interaction part way through act one, while the rock ’n’ roll segment gives the newer fans a taste of Dolly’s iconic dip into rock.
What really carries the night, though, is the performance. There’s a real cosy warmth running through the show that feels very in keeping with Dolly herself. It’s upbeat, generous and inviting, and you get the sense that everyone involved is having just as good a time as the audience. Everyone in that room was living their best lives!
By the final number, the theatre was buzzing. The Dolly Show doesn’t try to reinvent Dolly Parton, but it simply celebrates her, and sometimes that’s exactly what an audience wants. It’s a feel-good trip to the theatre, delivered with real commitment, strong vocals and a clear sense of fun.
Kelly O’Brien is as close to Dolly Parton as you will get among Dolly Parton tributes.
Accessibility
The show features amplified live music and some loud music, particularly during the disco mix. This sections are energetic but not sustained for long periods.
Value for Money
With ticket prices were £28.50 per person, which I think is a reasonable price for a touring tribute show, especially for The Dolly Show which offers solid value for money and entertainment to the max. The mix of classic hits, inventive arrangements and strong performance leads to a really enjoyable night out at the theatre. I thoroughly loved it and would pay £28.50 to see it again!
If you’re a Dolly fan, or simply after an uplifting evening filled with familiar tunes and good vibes, this is very much a show worth catching on its travels.
To find out where the show is stopping on the tour, head to The Dolly Show site here.
Have your say!
Have you seen The Dolly Show? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Alyx Taylor-Scott