An unsettling incident disrupted a performance of "Here You Come Again" at the Opera House in Manchester, where a man shouted an offensive slur during the show. The outburst occurred while expressing his desire to see Dolly Parton, compelling the cast to leave the stage. Stevie Webb, one of the cast members, found himself at the center of the incident when a woman expressed disgust over a gay character featured in the performance.
This event was not an isolated occurrence. Similar disruptions had marred a previous show on Saturday, necessitating the removal of another unruly audience member. Both incidents have since been widely shared and discussed on TikTok, with Stevie Webb posting about the experiences. Webb noted that these events have "really opened [his] eyes," highlighting the challenge of performing in an environment where depictions of gay characters can provoke such strong reactions.
"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." – Mr Webb
The show, "Here You Come Again," explores the story of Dolly Parton through the lens of a diehard fan whose idealized version of the global icon helps him navigate life's challenges. Parton herself is a well-known advocate for LGBT rights and has been vocal in her support of progressive causes. In 2014, she publicly endorsed gay marriage, solidifying her status as an ally.
"a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times" – Publicity for Here You Come Again
The Opera House described these kinds of incidents as "rare" and assured that anyone engaging in abusive behavior would be removed "immediately." ATG Entertainment, which manages the venue, maintains a "zero tolerance" policy towards such disturbances, underscoring their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all patrons and performers.
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