Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story: Review

AD – Press tickets gifted for the Buddy Holly Story review

It would be easy for a musical about Buddy Holly to be somewhat glum. Given that he shot to fame for only around 18 months before dying tragically in a plane crash aged just 22 years old. Fortunately, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at Malvern Theatres features both his catchy, upbeat music and other cheerful songs from the time. So, far from being depressing or upsetting, it’s one of the most positive musicals I’ve seen. The show is currently touring the UK and Ireland and, due to popular demand, it has already been extended until May 2026. Having watched it, I can see exactly why audiences keep coming back for more.

The story of Buddy Holly

The musical tells the incredible story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame. In just 18 months, the young musician transformed the world of Rock & Roll. He influenced many legendary bands that came after him, including The Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones.

The show follows Buddy from his reluctant early Country music performances, through his greatest hits and right up to his final concert in Clear Lake, Iowa. Knowing how his story ends gives the show a bittersweet edge, but it’s also a true celebration of his music and the joy it continues to bring. Without giving away any spoilers, the sadness is portrayed very poignantly without detracting from the positive atmosphere of the production.

The music

If you love Rock & Roll, this show is definitively for you. Over 20 of Buddy Holly’s biggest hits feature, including That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Everyday and Rave On. Other well known 50s songs featured include Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba, as well as versions of Shout and Johnny B. Goode.

I’ve always loved Buddy Holly’s songs, since my dad used to listen to them when I was young. So, I expected to love it. But even my 13 year old who came along with me recognised a few hits and loved hearing others for the first time. By the finale, most of the audience were on their feet clapping, singing and bopping along. At times, it felt more like a concert than a theatre performance.

The cast

Buddy Holly is played by AJ Jenks or Joe Sterling depending on the performance. Other cast members include Stephen Alexander-Kerr, Miguel Angel, Joshua Barton, Andrew Farrell, Ewan Ling, Marta Miranda, Melker Nilsson, Thomas-Fabian Parrish and Laura-Dene Perryman.

The whole cast are impressive multi-talented actor-musicians. Instruments on stage include guitar, bass guitar, double bass, trombone, saxophones, trumpet and drums. The whole cast gave the impression that they were having a brilliant time, which only added to the lively atmosphere in the auditorium.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story: What we thought of the show

I can’t say that I went into this production as an unbiased spectator. I knew I was going to love it as soon as I saw it was touring. Whilst Buddy Holly’s music isn’t my era, it is iconic and has had a huge influence on the music that has been made since his death.

So, with such high expectations, was I disappointed? Well, I do have a couple of regrets – mainly the fact that I didn’t buy more tickets. This production is such a crowd-pleaser that it would have been ideal for a multi-generational evening out. I would have loved to take my dad who adores music from that era, and Buddy Holly in particular. I know my 11 year-old would also have enjoyed it – particularly as she’s a double bassist. Watching the way the bass was thrown around the stage and climbed on was incredible.

I’ve been given some facts about the production, and some of them surprised me because I’d never heard of it until it came to Malvern. I must have been living under a rock because Since its premiere in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has become one of the world’s most successful musicals. With more than 10,000 performances worldwide, it stands alongside shows like Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera as a true theatre classic.

FAQs