Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at Theatre Royal Plymouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Laura B
Buddy – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY – 2026 UK Tour, an energetic, lively and fun musical kicked off tonight, Tuesday, 7th April in Devon at The Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The show takes you back in time, telling the tale of the singer-songwriter Buddy Holly and his band, The Crickets. It was a brief career that sadly ended in tragedy. 60 years later, his music continues to be played, enjoyed and loved by a new generation. This is an energetic and fun musical that will appeal to all ages, as was evident tonight, with children as young as 10 singing and clapping alongside their grandparents. The show is a highly successful jukebox musical initially opening in London’s West End in 1989. Considered “the world’s most successful rock & roll musical,” it has been attended by over 22–25 million people worldwide.
The Buddy Holly Story was written by Alan Janes and directed by Matt Salisbury. We follow Buddy Holly (AJ Jenks) and The Crickets Joe (Melker Nilsson), Jerry (Stephen Alexander-Kerr) and Niki (Joe Sterling) starting as a Texas country and western band and ultimately becoming rock and roll famous. We watch the young men develop and grow as they aim for a different style of music in what was a challenging time in the industry and American history.
Classic songs include: “That’ll be the Day,” “Maybe Baby,” “Peggy Sue,” “It’s so Easy to Fall in Love,” “The Big Bopper’s,” “Chantilly Lace,” “Ritchie Valens,” “La Bamba,” plus many, many more. Jenks’ portrayal of Holly is compelling, although the entire ensemble is a joy to watch as they deliver a first-rate performance, not only vocally but all the while playing a range of instruments. Piano, saxophones, cello, electric guitars and drums feature throughout the show. And despite not appearing until later in the second half, Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens and Joshua Barton as Big Bopper are outstanding.
The first act is packed with plenty of classic songs, and throughout the performance, the cast members were an engaging and energetic ensemble, with many effortlessly switching roles. Act two introduced us to Buddy’s relationship with Maria Elena (Marta Miranda) and the issues that they faced together. Miranda and Jenks certainly brought their passionate, brief romance to life on the stage. The finale takes place as a lively concert at the Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, Iowa with Valens and the Big Bopper on the night before ‘The Day the Music Died’.
The set-up of the Theatre Royal, Plymouth makes us feel like we are actually at a concert. The show worked well as the actors were able to acknowledge and include the audience. The nostalgia of the hits alongside the intimate feel of the theatre made the evening. The energy from the audience was visible as the majority of the audience were dancing in their seats, clapping and singing along.
Despite most people being familiar with the sudden death of Buddy Holly in a plane crash when he was just 22, along with 17-year-old Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, the journey to this ‘announcement’ is packed with groundbreaking music and a beautifully moving story.
The show is a perfect night out for lovers of early rock and roll of all ages.
(Please note – There is a sensory notice & content warnings for the show including flashing lights, haze, loud music and noise.)
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £27 (plus £1.50 transaction fee)
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is at The Theatre Royal Plymouth from Tuesday 7th April 2026 – Saturday 11th April 2026.
For more information and to book tickets visit https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/buddy-2026/ or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR