Venues across Northern Ireland are set to be rocked with the songs and stage show of the Queen of County as the ultimate Dolly Parton tribute is back in the shape of performer extraordinaire, Donna Stewart.
The Autumn Tour will see the Belfast singer perform a packed show of fan favourites to audiences in Belfast, Armagh and Banbridge that will have everyone singing along to the likes of 9to5, Coat Of Many Colours, I Will Always Love You and Jolene. The show not only has lots of Dolly hits, but also some of country rock and pop favourites.
Speaking ahead of the shows Donna said; “I’m delighted to release the first few dates on our autumn tour, we’ll be back on the road from the end of September until Christmas, with lots more Northern Ireland dates to be released. Looking forward to playing an intimate gig at the Belfast barge what a fantastically unique venue. In Armagh well be back at the marketplace theatre one of my favourite venues across Northern Ireland. After playing a successful show at the Linfields Festival in 2015, I’m excited to return to Banbridge, the audience were one of the best we’ve had and I can’ wait to play it again after all these years. So hope to see you all there in your best country get up.”
Donna has established herself as the embodiment of the Queen of Country but it was a dream that came true by chance.
“I started performing as Dolly in 2011,” said Donna. “It was just meant to be for one night at a friend’s birthday, but this led to a stream of bookings.”
After a busy summer show in Belfast, Donna is revved up and ready to go again with a series of dates that have seen standing ovations and rave reviews from audiences.
“Eventually I realised I couldn’t be without Dolly in my life any longer so thanks to my wonderful husband Niall Toman and the rest of the Dolly show crew Anne McAteer, Chantelle McAteer, Chris Logan, Tom Savage and Kenneth McClure, we’re back and bigger than ever before. It’s very much a team effort.
“Let’s face it one of the best things I get to do is to dress up as Dolly.”
And, as always Donna and her team chose their tracks carefully.
“The show aims to emulate country icon Dolly Parton at her 80’s best right up until now, we also play songs from classic country, we aim to please everyone.
“We carefully chose the greatest hits that people love and remember and even if you’re not a die-hard Dolly fan you’ll certainly catch yourself toe tapping and singing along at some point throughout the night.
“Having spent many years in musical theatre both as a director and producer and a performer we make sure to include the pizazz and vibrancy of a West End show no matter how big or small the venue we play in,” explained Donna.
In the new fun, floor-filling show Dolly & Friends provide an energetic unforgettable night. Donna is a stickler for attention to detail and has studied dolly’s voice and performances since the 1980s – even the intonation of Dolly’s voice she uses to introduce songs.
During this show Donna plays custom made Dolly replica guitars & banjo, whilst wearing reproduction costumes made and updated in coordination with Dolly and with real hair wigs styled by the best hair stylists Northern Ireland has to offer – it literally takes thousands to be Dolly.
Donna Stewart will perform as Dolly Parton with the Dolly’s Jukebox show at:
The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh, Saturday 9th November
The Belfast Barge, Belfast, Friday 15th November
Belmont Hotel, Banbridge, Saturday 28th November
For tickets and information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/DollysJukeboxBand/