Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story brings rock and roll to The Kings Theatre this week, packed full of hits from the spectacle-wearing musician from Lubbock, Texas. Nostalgia has increasingly become a key trend in musical theatre and The Buddy Holly Story is no different as one of the first jukebox musicals to hit the West End, now embarking on its 30th anniversary year.
The production charts the meteoric rise to fame of Buddy Holly and his band The Crickets as they created an enduring back catalogue of chart hits in just a few short years, paving the way for music from future rock and roll artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
BUY THE BOOK: GLASGOW’S 100 BEST RESTAURANTS
Buddy was a trailblazer artist in many ways – the first performer to wear glasses on stage and the first rock and roll star to write his own songs as well as get involved in their production.
However, tragically Buddy’s life was cut short at the young age of 22 along with The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens when his plane crashed after his final show-stopping headline gig at the Backstage Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Don McLean sang about “The Day The Music Died” as tribute to the fateful February day in 1959, however Buddy’s musical legacy lives on with classic hits such as That Will Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Raining in My Heart and Long Tall Sally standing the test of time.
The show is a rip-roaring journey through Holly’s extensive repertoire delivered by energetic and powerhouse performances, transporting the audience back to the rock n roll era.
Buddy comes across as a wholesome all American nice guy which combined with his premature death means his story lacks the scandal or drama of some other jukebox productions of famous icons.
However the incredible live music performances kept the magic of the rock n roll era alive and well as the show becomes the ultimate tribute to the man himself.
A J Jenks is perfectly cast as Buddy, complete with charisma and passion and truly having the time of his life on stage.
His powerhouse vocals which mimicked the recognisable tones of Holly were strong throughout each track and channelled plenty of star quality and stage presence.
Jenks also proved himself to be a very talented and energetic musician playing live lead guitar throughout. Jenks was supported on stage by various musicians who delivered lively, toe-tapping performances throughout. As the rest of the supporting cast deliver breath-taking, enthustiastic performances, the audience is immediately impressed by their incredible talents as vocalists, musicians and above all their undeniable passion for the music.
The second act mainly features The Backstage Surf Ballroom Concert which
was Buddy’s last ever performance. The show really raises the roof of the
theatre with an explosive performance as Buddy is joined by Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper for crowd pleasing tracks such as La Bamba, Real Wild Child and the electrifying finale of Johnny B Goode.
Regardless of musical taste, it is impossible not to be swept along by the magic of the music in this fabulous celebration of one of the original rock n roll stars.
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is at the King’s Theatre until 15th February.