3:02pm Tuesday 10th February 2009
By Jeff Bolitho
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Bristol Hippodrome
THE story of one of the world’s most talented and inspiring musicians is brought to life in spectacular fashion at the Bristol Hippodrome.
In the 50th anniversary year of the death of Buddy Holly, this show lives up to its billing as the most successful rock ‘n’ roll musical of all time.
It follows the tragically short life of the star, from his beginnings in Lubbock, Texas, up to his move to New York as he secured record contracts and enjoyed chart success.
His timeless hits, including Peggy Sue, That’ll Be The Day and Don’t Fade Away, are all performed with verve and style by the talented cast of this energetic production.
Glen Joseph is a highly commendable Buddy, ably supported by Colin McGregor and Pedro Reichert as The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, who join Buddy on stage towards the end of the show.
Large, cardboard Buddy-style glasses were handed out to the audience, ensuring everyone entered into the spirit of this celebration of the artist’s life.
As the show draws to a close, we are told of his untimely death in a plane crash at the age of just 22.
But the musical does not end on a sombre note, as the cast perform a rousing rendition of Johnny B Goode for a memorable finale.
The show runs at the Hippodrome until Saturday. Visit www.buddythemusical.com for more details.
Jeff Bolitho
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