It must be years since I first saw Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. It’s one of those musicals that doesn’t seem to have done the rounds in Nottingham for some time, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again when it returned to the Theatre Royal last night for a week-long run.
I agreed to review on the basis that it’s one I’d take my Mum to. It’s her era, and yet really I secretly too love the timeless classic music.
This production is far more than your standard jukebox musical. The ultra talented cast act, sing and dance their way through the show to tell the story of the legendary musician Buddy Holly, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of just 22, alongside the Big Bopper and Richie Valens, on that fateful night – the day the music died.
The show is a fitting celebration of Holly’s life and music, and features some of his most well-known hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Oh Boy!”
Live performances from Buddy Holly aren’t some of those you see very often on the TV and a YouTube search doesn’t bring up much. Likely due to the fact that although he had a string of well known hits, his career was ultimately very sadly short, and so what he did achieve was phenomenal, inspiring many artists that followed, including the Beatles. He looks older than 22 in the photos we see, and yet he was just really at the start of his career. What a talent we lost.
This then is a fitting tribute to his short life, the show is packed with energy and talent, and it is clear that the cast and crew are passionate about bringing Holly’s music to life, and keeping it alive.
The sounds of his hits have been recreated on stage with precision by the talented, hard working cast. It’s easy to think it’s a large cast, but many take on several roles in this fast paced production.
I think the first time I saw Buddy years ago was also the first time I’d seen a cast actually perform all the music themselves on stage, as opposed to having a band in the orchestra pit. It’s more commonplace now, but Buddy was, and still is, the trend setter, much like the late artist
The staging is simple but effective, the costumes are also fantastic and authentic.
The real highlight of the show, however, is the music. The cast perform with enthusiasm and skill, with each member of the ensemble getting a chance to shine.
The lead role of Buddy Holly is alternated by two performers throughout the week (I would imagine to give one the chance to rest – although they are still part of the cast as one of The Crickets, Buddy’s band)
Our Buddy for the opening night in Nottingham is AJ Jenks, who delivers an absolutely stunning performance. Jenks perfectly captures Holly’s voice, tone, mannerisms, and stage presence, and he brings an infectious energy and charisma to the role. He also has great chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly his bandmates, and their interactions on stage are a joy to watch.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Christopher Chandler as the Big Bopper and Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens. Thomas Mitchells in various roles brings the story together fantastically, and provides a little humour as the MC at Clearlake.
The show will have you rockin ‘and rollin’ until the sudden death of Buddy. Signified by a lone guitar on stage, True Love Ways plays in the background, and I defy you not to have a tear in your eye when the young performer, so full of energy, loving life, has gone.
The Buddy Holly Story is a fantastic production that has the audience on their feet shouting for more, and is a delight for fans of Holly’s music, in fact anyone who loves a great show.
If you get the chance to see the show, do it – it is an experience you will never forget.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Tuesday 25 July – Saturday 29 July 2023
Theatre Royal Nottingham
£19.50 – £49.50 plus discounts for Members*, Under 16s, 16-25 year olds, and Groups
www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555
*Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Membership scheme offers benefits including ticket discounts and exclusive pre-sales. For more information please visit www.trch.co.uk/membership
Further information about Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is attached and below;
Website: Buddy The Buddy Holly Story | Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Theatre Royal, Nottingham (trch.co.uk)
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