A theater production inspired by country music legend Dolly Parton took an unexpected turn when the entire cast walked off stage in protest.
Their decision came after an audience member expressed disgust over a gay character, shedding light on the persistent issue of homophobia in live performances.
Repeated Incidents of Homophobic Abuse
Stevie Webb, one of the actors in Here You Come Again, has spoken out about the frequent hostility faced by the cast.
According to Webb, homophobic slurs and disruptions have become an almost weekly occurrence during their tour.
He highlighted a recent performance at Manchester’s Opera House, where a woman caused a scene by shouting slurs, leading to a temporary halt in the show.
The Manchester incident followed a similar one in London, where another audience member had to be ejected for using an offensive slur.
Webb, frustrated by the repeated disruptions, expressed disbelief at how often these situations arise.
A Show Interrupted by Hate
During the Manchester performance, the show was abruptly stopped when the disruptive woman began shouting in protest of a gay character on stage.
As other audience members reacted, chaos ensued, forcing security to step in.
The woman was eventually removed, but the production had already been delayed by nearly 20 minutes.
Webb took to TikTok to share his frustration, stating that it was “insane” how frequently such incidents occur.
He emphasized that they were performing a Dolly Parton musical—one that naturally includes LGBTQ+ themes—and found it absurd that some audience members were surprised or offended by that fact.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy of LGBTQ+ Support
Dolly Parton has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights for years.
In 2014, she publicly endorsed gay marriage, reinforcing her stance on inclusivity and acceptance.
Given her longstanding advocacy, it seems contradictory for anyone to attend a musical based on her work and expect otherwise.
Webb humorously pointed out the irony of homophobic audience members attending a Dolly Parton show yet being uncomfortable with LGBTQ+ representation.
Recounting one incident, he recalled a man angrily declaring, “I’m not here to watch some [expletive] talk about his boyfriend—I’m just here to see Dolly Parton.”
Webb responded by highlighting the contradiction: “It’s a Dolly Parton musical, mate. It’s obviously going to be a little bit gay.”
A Broader Reflection on Society
Beyond these specific incidents, Webb reflected on the deeper issue at hand—how some people still struggle to accept LGBTQ+ representation in media and entertainment.
He compared their reaction to someone irrationally hating the color blue, emphasizing that LGBTQ+ people exist and aren’t going anywhere.
Webb expressed empathy for those who harbor such intolerance, suggesting they might be happier if they simply accepted reality rather than resisting it.
He also urged people to read show descriptions before attending, reminding them that a Dolly Parton-themed musical will naturally include diverse storytelling.
The Future of the Show
Directed by Gabriel Barre, Here You Come Again is a heartfelt musical comedy that follows a devoted fan whose love for Dolly Parton helps him navigate life’s challenges.
Despite the setbacks, the production continues its run, hoping to foster an environment where theater remains a place of joy and inclusion.
While these incidents highlight ongoing issues of intolerance, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of representation in the arts.
The cast’s decision to stand up against homophobia sends a powerful message—hate has no place in the world of entertainment, or anywhere else.
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