The musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story enjoyed one of the west end’s longest runs from 1989 to 2002 and has been pretty much touring all over the world since. As one of the first ‘jukebox musicals’ it’s a phenomenon and now I’ve experienced the show I can see why.
It’s amazing to think how many classic rock ‘n’ roll songs Buddy wrote and the hits just coming in the show. It’s almost part show part concert with the band playing and singing live and certainly everyone was clapping their hands and tapping their toes along to the songs.
I did a lot of ‘ oh I’d forgotten he wrote this one’ throughout the show and when you consider the musical legacy he left us it makes the tragic ending so much more poignant. What else would Buddy Holly have given the world had he lived longer than his short 22 years.
AJ Jenks is superb as Buddy Holly and brings huge energy and charm to the part. The story follows him and the Crickets in their early days fighting to play their music their way and not be side lined into a country music act. Success soon comes due to a lucky break and the sheer talent Buddy has in his song writing and performing. Very soon he is the number one act in the US.
In the second act the last concert he ever played is recreated with Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens and Joshua Barton as The Big Bopper, who are also both excellent in these and their other roles.
The rest of the supporting cast also double up their parts and are amazing singers and musicians.
You’ll come out feeling uplifted at some good old fashioned, early rock ‘n’ roll that influenced so much music after it but also reflective and sad about the historic event that led to ‘ the day the music died’.
Don’t miss this show while it visits Ipswich – grab yourself a ticket now. You won’t regret it.
Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story plays until Saturday 30th May at the Ipswich Regent – 7.30 pm evening shows and a 2.30 pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets are available to book on their website
SUFFOLK THEATRE 