Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at Birmingham Hippodrome Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sue Rumble

This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. It tells the story of Buddy’s short life and his rise to singing all those well known hits that everybody knows and loves.

Birmingham Hippodrome is centrally located in the city centre a few minutes’ walk from New Street Station. There are a few car parks within 5 -10 walking distance – it is best to check websites prior to travel due to current roadworks in Birmingham.

Birmingham Hippodrome is a modern theatre, which offers BSL Interpreted, captioned and audio described performances. The seat row letters were clearly lit up and illuminated, making it extremely easy to locate your seats. We were lucky enough to be seated in the stalls with a perfect view of the stage and felt fully immersed within the production. There are a few bars and kiosks for refreshments prior to the show or during the interval.

The price range of tickets, in my opinion, is extremely good value for money given the quality and length of performance. Prices are dependent on performance day and time and also where you decide to sit.

Telling the story of Buddy’s rise to fame starting in 1956, through the many hit songs that Buddy Holly wrote and sang with The Crickets or on his own after his split. Famous for his heavy glasses, he was born in Lubbock , Texas and began singing in bars and clubs – moving to writing and singing country songs with which he got his own record deal. However, Buddy wanted more – said that the country music wasn’t going anywhere. He wanted to play and write Rock and Roll music, saying this is what the people wanted.

He was booked at the Apollo Theatre in New York – not realising that this was an all-black audience – but won them over – helping to bridge the racial gap. From there he was very successful with shows, more songs and tours – even influencing The Beatles. His final show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa was a solo tour where he was joined by other known performers – Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper. The show was a huge success but having drawn straws to decide who would fly in the airplane rather than go on the cold bus, this was to be a fatal flight. Buddy died on February 3rd, 1959 – he was only 22 years old.

What an amazing show, full of fantastic music and singing from start to finish, keeping the audience toe tapping and clapping. The whole cast were brilliant musicians showcasing their talent on guitars, saxophones, tuba and piano – alongside little tricks and dances.

Buddy – played by AJ Jenks was brilliant and made you think it was Buddy on stage – he did him proud. Miguel Angel played different roles, including Tyrone Jones and Ritchie Valens and he could definitely move his body! Many of the cast played more than one role and did this extremely well – showing their talent for singing and dancing. Each and every one of them had amazing voices.

Songs including Peggy Sue, La Bamba, That’ll Be The Day, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart and many more.

The costumes and scenery were kept simple but effective for the story which was mainly set in a recording studio or on stage.

Amazing job done by the whole creative and production teams.

We were fully immersed in this passionate, fun show which showed us what a brilliant musician Buddy was, producing some of the great Rock & Roll songs and inspiring others in their careers. I would highly recommend this show for anybody who likes a toe tapping, fast moving, professional musical which definitely gets the audience singing and dancing.

Running Time – 2 hrs 35mins including interval.
Price of tickets – £28 to £69

Rating: 5/5

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call the box office on 0844 388 5010.

Dates showing – Wed 28th August to Sat 30th August 2025

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB