⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ That’ll Be the Play – an unmissable hit!
Buddy Holly achieved more in just 22 years than most of us could dream of in a lifetime – two record deals, three albums, 13 hit singles, marriage, and a treasure chest of recordings still being released decades later. When you hold that up against what I’d managed by 22… well, let’s just say it’s humbling.
And yet, over 65 years after his passing, his music lives on, nowhere more vibrantly than in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Alan Janes’ feel-good jukebox musical that’s been rocking audiences for over 30 years. Currently playing at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre until August 30th, this production is pure joy from start to finish.
Even if you think you don’t know Buddy’s music, you’ll be surprised at how many classics you’ll recognise. The show barrels through hit after hit, before ending in a finale that had the entire audience on their feet. Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper even join the party in spirit with a couple of showstoppers of their own.
I saw this show back in 2018/19 at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre and absolutely loved it then. So I was extra chuffed when I realised Buddy was being played by the phenomenal A J Jenks again. He gives what might be one of the finest theatre performances I’ve ever seen as Buddy – singing, acting, and playing live, really embracing the role of Buddy. The whole cast is brilliant, seamlessly juggling instruments, harmonies, and character work without a single missed beat.
The journey takes us from Lubbock, Texas to Nashville, Harlem, New York, and finally the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, where Buddy gave his last performance. Along the way, we see the struggles and triumphs of a young man determined to play music his way – the rock ’n’ roll way.
The standing ovation at curtain call said it all: this show hasn’t just stood the test of time, it’s still one of the best nights out you can have in the theatre. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you’ll leave smiling, tapping your feet, and humming Buddy’s timeless tunes all the way home.
Oh Boy – what a show!
You can book tickets to the show, here: https://www.buddythemusical.com/tickets
And follow them over on Instagram to follow their tour and see behind the scenes footage here: https://www.instagram.com/buddythemusical