Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

I’m not a fan of so called “Juke Box” musicals, shows flimsily built around a string of pop hits, but on this occasion I was blown away, well almost. So the juke box format tends to be a lame tale into which the songs are inserted with seldom a nod to enhancing any kind of narrative. Buddy is different, this is a biography peppered with his amazing songs, a better concept by far but sadly not a lot of depth to the portrayal of his life, scant reference to his family or personal life and circumstances leaving me wanting more from the story. In contrast what we get is an amazingly good representation of his music and his too short lived musical career. The company are blisteringly good, talented musicians and entertaining performers too and the hits are pretty accurately rendered, capturing a sense of period and style. I particularly enjoyed the sharp coupling of harmonies and dance moves executed with such precision by the entire cast in the concert-like end section of the show. There is great ensemble playing throughout but it would be mean not to mention Thomas Mitchell’s hilarious Big Bopper, Jordan Cunningham’s hip popping Ritchie Valens and of course the dynamic performance of Alex Fobbester who brings to life the exuberant, geeky and charming Buddy Holly with great style and musical skill. This is a fun evening of fabulous music, humour and the deftly dealt with early demise of this great talent.

5 June

Theatre Royal Brighton

Andrew Kay

Rating: