A theatrical performance inspired by Dolly Parton had to be abruptly halted when a member of the audience launched into a homophobic tirade, forcing the cast to temporarily leave the stage.
The incident occurred during a production of Here You Come Again at the Opera House in Manchester, according to one of the show’s actors, Stevie Webb. He revealed that a female audience member became visibly outraged upon realizing that a gay character was featured in the storyline. Her anger escalated to the point where the cast had no choice but to stop the performance entirely.
Webb took to TikTok to recount the shocking moment, explaining that the woman was so disgusted by the mere presence of a gay character that she disrupted the performance.
He described how the production had been running smoothly until the outburst forced an unexpected pause. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated event. Just days later, on Saturday, another disturbance occurred when a male audience member also displayed aggressive behavior, ultimately leading to his removal from the venue by security.
ATG Entertainment, the company responsible for managing the Opera House, swiftly condemned the disruptions, emphasizing its strict “zero tolerance” policy towards discrimination and abusive behavior.
The organization stated that while such incidents were uncommon, they would not hesitate to remove individuals who violated the principles of respect and inclusivity. The venue reassured audiences that it remained committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all theatergoers, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Webb, who portrays an avid Dolly Parton fan in the production, reflected on the unsettling experiences, noting that similar issues had arisen during the show’s run in London.
He recalled another occasion when a male audience member loudly expressed his disapproval by hurling a homophobic slur before shouting, “I just want to see Dolly Parton!”
His reaction highlighted the deeply ingrained prejudices that some individuals still harbor, even in a space dedicated to celebrating music, storytelling, and artistic expression.
The irony of these incidents was not lost on Webb or his supporters, given that Dolly Parton has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The country music legend has repeatedly voiced her support for equal rights, and in 2014, she publicly endorsed same-sex marriage.
Throughout her career, she has used her platform to promote inclusivity, love, and acceptance—values that stand in stark contrast to the behavior displayed by these disruptive audience members.
Reflecting on the distressing encounters, Webb admitted that the incidents had been eye-opening for him. “We’re in such a bubble in this industry,” he remarked, acknowledging that working in theater often creates an environment where diversity is embraced and celebrated.
However, as he traveled to different cities across the country, he became increasingly aware of just how many people still struggle to accept LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. “It’s wild,” he added, expressing his disbelief at the intolerance he had witnessed firsthand.
Despite these challenges, the production of Here You Come Again continues to be well-received by audiences who appreciate its heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton’s legacy.
The musical tells the story of a devoted fan who finds solace in his imagined version of the superstar, using her wisdom and music to navigate personal struggles. The Opera House reassured the public that while incidents of homophobic abuse were rare, any future instances would be dealt with swiftly and decisively to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all theatergoers.
