Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

*****

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has now been touring for thirty-five years, celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career lasted barely two years, but whose music endures some sixty six years after his untimely and tragic death.

The popularity of this show - and its music, shows no sign of diminishing. It was one of the earliest jukebox musicals predating the likes of Queen’s We will rock you and the Kinks’ Sunny Afternoon. Although the contemporaneous audience will now be in their 80s. Holly’s music is ubiquitous in television series of the time, not least BBC’s Heartbeat, maintaining its presence and popularity.

The two halves mainly comprise his rise to fame and studio work in the first half, and an extended concert sequence in the second.

A J Jenks takes the eponymous, demanding, lead role, which requires a performer who can sing, act, play competent electric lead guitar, as well as having a passing resemblance to Buddy Holly himself. Angular and enthusiastic, Jenks is credible and lively in the part, ably supported by a large chorus and band for the big numbers.

The plot, fairly thinly, joins the dots between the music, but it is the songs which star. They have transcended their late fifties origins to become standards which by a process of cultural osmosis are as fresh now as they were when written. Rock'n'roll aficionados will feel the tradition has been well represented, and new generations continue to sign up to the cause.

Amongst numerous satisfying cameos, Marta Miranda delights as Maria Elena (and others). Joshua Barton marvellously milked the part of the Big Bopper for all it was worth. Thomas Fabián Parrish made the most of scheming producer Norman Petty. The dancers, consistently caught the eye with their dynamism, brio, and crisp movement.

The Garrick’s stage was used to the maximum, with a set which incorporates recording studios, concert halls, radio stations, and living space, providing a fitting sense of occasion, culminating in the theatre stage becoming a concert stage.

There is no secret to this show’s success and longevity, the songs are very strong. Contemporary hits Shout, La Bamba and Johnny B Goode flesh out the Holly numbers, offering variety, shade and musical context. Classic hits That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy!, Everyday, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby, True Love Ways and Rave On do not disappoint.

Musical Director Christopher Weeks does a fine job delivering an authentic sound with considerable enthusiasm for songs whose original arrangements were quite sparse. Choreographer Miguel Angel (also Rickie Valens and Tyrone Jones) leads a set of willing dancers with style, panache and aplomb.

Veteran writer and producer Alan Janes is a safe pair of hands for a show boasting technical proficiency and vision for the big set pieces. An enthusiastic opening night house was thrilled by the show, giving it a well-deserved Monday night standing ovation and partied like it was 1959. Buddy runs until Saturday 7th March.

Gary Longden

02-03-26 

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