The Buddy Holly Story brings rock and roll to The Regent Theatre this week, full of hits from the spectacle wearing musician from Texas. Now embarking on its 30th anniversary year, this show stands the test of time.
The production follows the meteoric rise to fame of Buddy Holly and his band The Crickets as they created an enduring back catalogue of chart hits in just a few short years, paving the way for music from future rock and roll artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Buddy was the first performer to wear glasses on stage and the first rock and roll star to write his own songs and be involved in their production. Sadly, Buddy’s life was cut short at the age of 22 along with The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens when his plane crashed after his final gig at the Backstage Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Buddy’s musical legacy lives on with classics such as That Will Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Raining in My Heart and Long Tall Sally.
The show is a journey through Holly’s repertoire delivered by energetic performances, which take the audience back to the rock n roll era. The live music performances kept the magic of the rock n roll era alive and well
A J Jenks is perfectly cast as Buddy, complete with passion and enjoyment of his time on stage.
His vocals were strong throughout each track with quality and stage presence. Jenks also showed his talent as a musician playing live lead guitar throughout, supported on stage by various musicians who delivered lively, performances throughout. The supporting cast also deliver equally enthusiastic performances.
The second act mainly features The Backstage Surf Ballroom Concert which was Buddy’s last ever performance. The show really raises the roof of the theatre with a powerful performance as Buddy is joined by Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper for crowd pleasing tracks such as La Bamba, Real Wild Child and the finale of Johnny B Goode.
Regardless of musical taste, it is very hard not to be swept along by the magic of the music and production and the energy of the cast a very talented group of actor/instrumentalists, featuring Tom Berkeley and AJ Jenks (who alternate the role of Buddy Holly) Jordan Alexander, Miguel Angel, Joshua Barton, Harry Boyd, Joe Butcher, Cartier Fraser, Josh Haberfield, Rhiannon Hopkins, Sasha Latoya, Hannah Price and Ben Pryer. Together they present a sensational two hours of live musical theatre
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is at the Regent Theatre Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 February 2020 as part of its 30th anniversary UK wide tour. Tickets are now on sale at the Regent Theatre Box Office, when you call 0844 871 7649. Or online at http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke
Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Tue-Sat eves 7.30pm
Tickets from £13
