Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

“The day the music died” sang Don McLean in his famous song ‘American Pie’. He was referring to the 3rd February 1959, when a chartered plane carrying rock ‘n’ roll heroes Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP ‘Big Bopper’ Richardson crashed into a snow covered field in Iowa. Buddy and his showbiz pals may have died on that tragic day, but their legend lives on – and is brought back to life in a sparkling fringe production that runs until 18th April, Upstairs At The Gatehouse in North London.

Kicking off with Buddy’s early days (a somewhat ironic thing to say, seeing how he was only 22 when he died) we get to see – and hear – an awkward and gangly Buddy creating anarchy when he switches from country music to the devil’s music during a local concert in Lubbock, Texas (his hometown). Nonetheless, the devil succeeds and soon after, Buddy loses his recording deal with Decca but gains a new deal with NY-based company Coral/Brunswick instead. The rest is rock ‘n’ roll history.

Since its debut in London’s West End in 1889, Buddy’ has thrilled audiences with classics songs like ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘That’ll Be The Day’, ‘Oh Boy’, ‘Chantilly Lace’ and ‘La Bamba’. Originally written by Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson, director John Plews injects new life in his current production and it has to be said that everything is spot on. The restricted space of a fringe venue works surprisingly well here, thanks to a clever set design by Fi Russell. All the cast are absolutely superb and clearly having fun, but it’s Roger Rowley’s uncannily realistic portrayal of Buddy (see accompanying interview) that turns an already rollicking production into a triumph.

Likewise, Jason Blackwater as The Big Bopper; as well as Sean Green’s ‘Master Of Ceremonies’ at the Apollo Theater, Harlem, further contribute to the production’s success. Last but not least, it’s Emily Altneu as Buddy’s wife Maria Elena and his band The Crickets that bring more than authenticity to the stage adaptation, while Jos Slovick’s fiery appearance as Latino heartthrob Ritchie Valens adds some sex appeal.

So if you’re in London during the long Easter break, treat yourself to an evening with Buddy Holly and pals. Shows run daily Tuesdays to Saturday from 7.30pm, with a matinee show on Sunday at 4pm. For further information about ticket prices and directions to the venue, call the box office on 020-8340-3488 or log on to www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com - and don’t forget to bring a rock ‘n’ roll attitude!