Dolly Parton-themed musical plagued by people shouting homophobic slurs, says actor

A touring Dolly Parton-themed musical has been plagued by audience members shouting homophobic slurs, a star of the show has said.

Actor Steven Webb, who plays Kevin in the musical comedy Here You Come Again, said a performance at Opera House Manchester on Wednesday was stopped “for 15 or 20 minutes” because of a woman shouting, who he said was “disgusted” to see “a gay character on stage”.

An audience member in another show was ejected for “shouting out slurs”, according to Webb.

A spokesperson for the venue said it took a “zero-tolerance policy to bullying, harassment, or any form of abusive behaviour towards our cast, crew, or staff”.

Producers of the musical said individuals who made homophobic comments “have been – and will be – ejected from the theatre immediately”.

The musical features hit songs by the country star. PA Media

Webb said in a video on TikTok: “The amount of audience members we have had to eject from our show due to homophobia is insane. It is insane.

“Just this week, in Manchester alone, last night (Friday February 7), we had to eject someone who was shouting out slurs.

“On Wednesday (February 5), 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 on stage.

“And she was shouting out, and then all the audience started shouting at her, and there’s a massive sort of ruckus.

“And so she eventually was ejected, and we could start again, but we were stopped for 15 or 20 minutes.

“It’s crazy. It’s happening nearly every single week, and it just blows my mind.”

He added: “London was the worst, which is crazy to me, I remember one guy who was shouting the F slur.”

A spokesperson for the Palace Theatre And Opera House said: “Our theatre team is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone – both on and off the stage.

“Whilst these incidents are rare, we have a zero-tolerance policy to bullying, harassment, or any form of abusive behaviour towards our cast, crew, or staff.

“Anyone engaging in such conduct will be removed from the venue immediately. Thank you to all our theatre goers who continue to act with respect and kindness towards others.”

In a social media post, the producers of Here You Come Again said they “condemn” the “homophobic comments and abuse directed at our company” in “the strongest way”.

“We stand against all forms of prejudice and are extremely proud of the inclusivity and respect which Here You Come Again celebrates”, the post added.

The musical played in Manchester between February 4-8 and will be staged in London later this month after a stint at Sunderland Empire.

The show contains hit songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands In The Stream, I Will Always Love You and Here You Come Again.