Dolly Parton Musical Suspended Due to Homophobic Abuse in Manchester

A Dolly Parton-themed musical had to be suspended mid-show in Manchester because of homophobic abuse, an actor in the production has revealed.

Incidents During the Show

Stevie Webb, who plays a superfan of the country music icon in Here You Come Again, reported an incident at the Opera House last Wednesday. The abuse forced the entire cast to leave the stage when a woman expressed such strong disgust at a gay character that the performance had to be halted.

In a TikTok post, Webb detailed additional trouble on the weekend when audience member had to be removed. Similarly, during the London run, he described an incident involving a man shouting an offensive slur and commenting, “I just want to see Dolly Parton.”

The Impact on the Actor

These incidents have deeply affected Webb. He wrote, “We’re in such a bubble in this industry. But travelling the country and seeing how many people literally cannot bear to see a gay person depicted on stage – it’s wild.” The experiences have opened Webb’s eyes to the challenges faced not just by LGBTQ+ individuals but by anyone representing them in the public eye.

Venue Responses

ATG Entertainment, which manages the Manchester venue, maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against such incidents. The Opera House echoed this stance, stating that the behavior is rare but that anyone who engages in abusive behavior will be removed immediately.

About the Musical

Here You Come Again, directed by Gabriel Barre, is a musical comedy based on Parton’s ability to transform into a fairy godmother-like figure, giving life lessons in song to a struggling fan. The production has received positive reviews, with one describing it as a captivating experience at Riverside Studios in London.

Dolly Parton’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights

Dolly Parton, 79, is a long-standing advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has hosted Gay Days at her theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In 2014, she publicly supported same-sex marriage, stating, “I think everyone should be with who they love. I don’t want to be controversial or stir up trouble, but people are going to love who they will.”

Conclusion

The events surrounding the Dolly Parton-themed musical in Manchester highlight the ongoing challenges of homophobia in public spaces, especially in the entertainment industry. While venues and organizers are taking measures to address such incidents, the impact on actors and artists cannot be underestimated.

These disturbing events serve as a crucial reminder that progress in acceptance and equality is an ongoing struggle, one that requires the continued efforts of individuals and institutions alike.

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