Dolly Parton musical stopped in Manchester due to homophobia
A Dolly Parton-inspired musical in Manchester has been suspended due to a string of incidents involving homophobic abuse directed at the stage.
(Credits: Here You Come Again Musical)
Music Ā» Music News
Wed 12 February 2025 9:41, UK
A Dolly Parton-inspired musical in Manchester had to be suspended mid-show due to homophobic abuse.
Actor Stevie Webb, who plays a Parton in Here You Come Again, said the incident resulted in the entire cast having to āleave the stage because a woman was so disgusted there was a gay characterā.
Webb shared the story via his TikTok account and said that the incident in the Opera House on February 5th was soon followed by a similar pattern of behaviour the following weekend when a man had to be removed from the audience.Ā
While Webb is an actor in the Manchester production, heās shared stories of similar incidents during the London shows, including one involving a man shouting an offensive slur and claiming, āI just want to see Dolly Parton.ā
Webb shared his thoughts on TikTok, stating: āWeāre 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 ā itās wild.ā
The Palace Theatre and Opera House have since released a statement: āWhilst 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 theatregoers who continue to act with respect and kindness towards othersā.
While the company in charge of running the Opera House have told the BBC it takes a āzero toleranceā to incidents of his nature.
Parton hasnāt responded to the incident directly, but she has been a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Notably, sheās hosted Gay Days at her theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and in 2014, she gave public backing to same-sex marriage: āI think everyone should be with who they love,ā she said. āI donāt want to be controversial or stir up a bunch of trouble, but people are going to love who they are going to love. I think gay couples should be allowed to marryā.
@thatsteviewebb #musicaltheatre ā¬ original sound ā Stevie Webb
Related Topics
Dolly Parton