Music is the star of show

BUDDY — THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, Palace Theatre, Manchester
A BLAST of rock and roll nostalgia had audiences jiving the night away.

The show tells the story of the three years in which Buddy Holly became the world’s top recording artist before his death, aged just 22, in an plane crash in 1959.

The plot focuses on his rise from country and western singer with his band The Crickets to chart success and international fame before boarding the doomed flight, which also ended the lives of fellow 50s stars The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

Holly’s story is so much a part of rock and roll history that an in-depth re-telling is not needed nor wanted by the baby-boomer audience.

The music is the star of the show and the reason why audiences have packed theatres since its first run in London’s West End in 1989.

More than 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits are packed into a lively show with actors belting out classic after classic in rapid succession, including firm favourites as Peggy Sue, True Love Ways and Raining in my Heart.

Playing the starring role is Glen Joseph who captures the geekiness of Buddy Holly well and sings like a dream, as do all those on stage.

However, the highlight for fans must be the final scene, a show-stopping performance which is closer to a live gig than a musical.

Filled with live musicians and backing dancers, the stage is transformed into The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa, scene of Holly’s final show.

The Big Bopper, played by Steve Dorsett, and Ritchie Valens, performed by Miguel Angel, take to the stage and belt out Chantilly Lace and La Bamba, all the while showcasing the energy and fun of rock and roll.

And the sight of Buddy Holly leaping around the stage, wearing trademark thick black glasses and guitar in hand, has the audience on their feet and reliving the fab 50s.