Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review
Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie
“If anyone asks you what kind of music you play, tell him ‘pop.’ Don’t tell him ‘rock’n’roll’ or they won’t even let you in the hotel.” Buddy Holly.
He was before The Beatles, before The Stones, Rock and Roll was born.
This show tells the tale of the musical icon’s rise to fame and his final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In only 18 months, Buddy changed the world with his music, influencing many other stars from The Beatles to Elton John.
The multi-talented cast captured the era, the music and audience from the moment they walked onto that stage. Buddy, a role alternated by Glen Joseph and Alex Fobbester, filled the legend’s shoes both in looks, moves and amazing voice.
The scene when they went to the Apollo Theatre, Harlem, New York was fabulous, one of my favourites! The opening act before Buddy and The Crickets were to go on stage to perform, by Miguel Angel and Jordan Cunningham, had us in stitches laughing. But what really sticks in my mind of that scene – those boys did the splits!
The story is interlaced with over 20 of his greatest hits, including ‘That’ll be the Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘Oh Boy’ and ‘Heartbeat’. You are automatically singing, tap your toes and transported into a place of happiness and love. The audience were mesmerised, and appreciative as we were taken back in time to the day, listening to the radio (as acted out), caught up in Buddy’s whirlwind romance and wedding to Maria Elena and to the final performance in Iowa.
The final act, The Winter Dance, held in Clear Lake, Iowa where Buddy shares the stage with Big Bopper’s comical ‘Chantilly Lace’ and Ritchie Valens’ hip thrusting ‘La Bamba’, got the audience up dancing, clapping and becoming part of the performance. I was so mesmerised by Ritchie Valens’ performance, that I am sure my mouth was hanging wide open.
I was touched by the respect shown when covering the death of Buddy, a guitar and microphone in front of the curtain as the news was broadcasted of his untimely death.
It is a night I didn’t want to end; I was taken back in time to witness a star being born, a star who is a legend and will never be forgotten. Buddy will rock on forever!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20.40 to £53.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow from 4-8 April 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/kings or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
