Manchester: A Dolly Parton-themed musical was suspended mid-performance at Manchester’s Opera House after homophobic abuse was directed at the stage, according to actor Stevie Webb.
Webb, who plays a devoted Dolly Parton fan in Here You Come Again, said the disruption occurred when a woman expressed outrage over a gay character, forcing the cast to leave the stage. A separate incident happened when a man had to be removed from the audience.
ATG Entertainment, which operates the venue, stated it enforces a “zero tolerance” policy against abuse, harassment, or bullying, ensuring immediate removal of offenders.
Webb also recalled similar disturbances during the London run of the production, including an incident where a man shouted an offensive slur and insisted, “I just want to see Dolly Parton.”
Dolly Parton has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and publicly endorsed same-sex marriage in 2014.
Reflecting on the disruptions, Webb said the incidents had “really opened [his] eyes,” highlighting that, while the theatre industry often exists in a progressive “bubble,” touring the country has revealed how many people still react negatively to LGBTQ+ representation on stage.
Publicity for Here You Come Again describes it as the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose imagined version of the superstar helps him navigate personal struggles.
The Manchester Opera House emphasized that such incidents are rare and reiterated its firm stance against inappropriate behaviour, stating that any audience member engaging in abuse would be immediately ejected.
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