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Show: Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story
Society: Richmond Theatre (professional)
Venue: Richmond Theatre
Credits: Written by Alan Janes. Produced by Buddy Worldwide Ltd. by arrangement with Maria Elena Holly.
Type: Sardines
Author: Paul Johnson
Performance Date: 27/06/2017
Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story
Paul Johnson | 28 Jun 2017 20:59pm
Thomas Mitchells (Big Bopper) Alex Fobbester (Buddy Holly) Jordan Cunningham (Ritchie Valens)
The role played by Buddy Holly during the emergence of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the mid-to-late 1950s was probably every bit as influential as Elvis Presley, and maybe even more so, with groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones attributing their very existence to the singer-songwriter’s game-changing contribution. The fact that Holly’s impact will forever be condensed to a 21-month window between 1957 – 1959 (when he was killed in a plane crash on 3rd February ’59, aged 22) makes his mark on the 20th Century all the more remarkable… we can only wonder at what may have happened had he survived that freezing night near Clear Lake, Iowa.
Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story, “The World’s Most Successful Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical” and perhaps the very first of the ‘jukebox’ genre, played almost 6,000 West End performances over fourteen years following its 1989 opening at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Since then it has literally not stopped touring worldwide, but is probably still at its most popular here in the UK where the production has been actively touring throughout 17 of the last 24 years – and ironic longevity in comparison to the short-lived life of its protagonist.
Alan Janes’ book adopts a light-hearted, feel-good mood to the meteoric rise of Buddy Holly and the Crickets from the obscurity of the trio’s hometown of Lubbock, Texas, to the top of the multi-million-selling charts and international stardom. The defining factor throughout is the sheer self-belief, determination and talent of the man himself, and, as the tour comes through Richmond this week, Alex Fobbester won the press night coin-toss to wear those unmistakable thick-rimmed glasses and take on the lead role. Fobbester shares the role with ‘Buddy’ veteran Glen Joseph – who I had the privilege to interview recently (not that Joseph got a night off; when not playing Buddy, he and Fobbester join the onstage band doubling in a number of musical roles).
Fobbester combines Holly’s drive and enthusiasm with the singer’s ambition and sense of humour wonderfully… and Richmond’s packed Tuesday-night audience loved every minute of it. Musically, the show is as thrilling as you might expect from the group that, with record producer, Norman Petty (Alex Tosh on top form), brought us a timeless array of hits including That’ll Be the Day, Everyday, Not Fade Away, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, It’s So Easy, True Love Ways, Maybe Baby, Raining in My Heart, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore and Rave On.
Once more, musical theatre’s growing army of actor-musicians show their metal – and how. Completely performed live onstage Alex Fobbester, together with Josh Haberfield as drummer, Jerry Allison, and a versatile Joe Butcher as Joe B. Mauldin on double-bass (plus half a dozen more musicians as the show progresses), we follow the Crickets’ transition from an uncomfortable Country & Western outfit to pioneers of the ground-breaking Rock ‘n’ Roll movement. Taking the whole journey in his stride Buddy even finds time to woo and marry record company receptionist, Maria Elena (Kerry Low).
Throw in a couple of deftly delivered performances from Thomas Mitchells and Jordan Cunningham as the equally fated Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens respectively and the audience is treated to a roof-raising finale that Buddy Holly himself would be proud of, where I would defy anyone to stay seated.
One last thing… if you can get along, look out for an hilarious pre-finale cameo from Tom Sowinski & Co as Jackdaw and the Snowbirds with Why Do Fools Fall in Love… as well as a glorious rendition of the Isley Brothers’ Shout performed by Miguel Angel and Jordan Cunningham.
Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story plays at Richmond Theatre until Saturday, 1st July. More at www.buddythemusical.com
CLICK HERE for Paul Johnson’s interview with Glen Joseph
Tom Sowinski, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan, Alex Fobbester (Buddy Holly) Alex Tosh, Kerry Low, Miguel Angel
- : admin
- : 27/06/2017