Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story At Theatre Royal Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

Worth the whole house standing ovation!

The show is celebrating its 30th year show, and this show really lives up the hype and excitement surrounding the musical, which was on the west end for over 14 years – So a true west end classic at your local theatre!

Although this is the first time, I have watched the Buddy Holly story, I have already booked to go again as it was such a fabulous professional evening’s entertainment for all ages. Next time I am going to take my children, as although they don’t regularly sing “Buddy songs” around the house, they have heard many of them and it was truly a belly laughing, toe tapping entertainment for all the family.

The story follows the undeniable talent of Buddy and the Crickets, breaking into the music industry whilst facing negativity and challenges to gain that elusive record deal. As Buddy’s story unfolds you are drawn into his loving character and his desire for love and success. The show took you along on his journey from being the band frontman, to separating and becoming “just Buddy Holly” culmination of his final show in Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of just 22. This has the audience in tears, the portrayal of his death was simplified excellence. It is genuinely hard to believe how many songs were created and played, and song along to today when Buddy died at the tender age of 22.

As with any West End musical the strength of the cast was phenomenal, truly breath taking. The way in which the characters were portrayed on stage, and it did not go unnoticed the musical talent of many of the cast members. I loved to see the musicians on stage, taking their well-earned applause and being part of a show, as often they are hidden in the orchestra pit, with their talents not being showcased for generations to come. Backing music provides the ambience and tone for the show in my opinion and truly supported the cast which demonstrated the power of their voices as well as soft tones through a series of 17 (I think, but they rolled seamlessly into one another) well known songs, that had the audience quietly singing along. Although there were areas for audience participation with an MC (Thomas Mitchells, who also played numerous other parts flawlessly) who got the audience clapping (some in time!) and sharing the “live gig” experience from a Buddy show.

On the Tuesday performance AJ Jenks understood the role of Buddy Holly, and he got the audience eating out of his hand, the way in which he not only sang but portrayed Buddy Holly into such a loveable, dare I say “daydreamer” yet dynamic character who strived for what he wanted. Even if it was for the love of his life, after just a short 5 hours together. His voice was incredible, however for me it was the way in which he took the part on which made the character stand out.

AJ Jenks was supported by a strong cast, and as previously mentioned Thomas Mitchells as the MC at Clearlake, as well as Murray Deutch, DJ at Appollo Theatre, Decco Producer and Norman Petty was a clear house favourite. Although he had so many roles, it was easy to follow and he was the perfect cast for them all, the way in which he interacted with the audience, portrayed a character and sang (he also was a backing singer!).

The professionalism was shown by the whole cast, and although I have named 2 I would like to say that each of them was just inspiring as singers, musicians and actors. It was one of the best, it not the best musical I have seen.

The staging truly took you from a music studio to Iowa, with simple lighting and curtains, but was perfect for simplicity but also a reflection of the show’s history and the 1950s.

For me, it was a slower first act with a complete whirlwind second act, but one constant between both was the music and constant engagement with the audience.

Rating: This is a 5 out of 5 for me, and a definite watch!

LISTINGS INFORMATION
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Tuesday 25 July – Saturday 29 July 2023
Theatre Royal Nottingham
£19.50 – £49.50 plus discounts for Members*, Under 16s, 16-25 year olds, and Groups
www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555

*Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Membership scheme offers benefits including ticket discounts and exclusive pre-sales. For more information please visit www.trch.co.uk/membership