By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of the Grand Opera House.
Let’s make no bones about this show. It’s and out and out musical jukebox of a production. Most people attending were in their 50s to 60s and I felt relatively young. Jukebox musicals often get a bad name, and often, for good reason. But this one, with Holly’s enormous back catalogue for one who died so young is just a thumper after thumper and boy did we eat it up.
AJ Jenkins plays the lead role with aplomb. Not just an actor, not just a musician, but a tour de force in musical theatre. And more about his musicianship: this man can play, whether it be standing on Cricket, Joe B Maudlin’s bass (played by Melker Nilsson) or jamming along with studio assistant Vi Petty’s(Marta Miranda) keys on Everyday, Jenkins is the key to this fantastic night of straight out rock ‘n’ roll. Let me rephrase that last sentence… Full Caps, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.
It’s a blast from start to finish. The set is interchangeable. This show may be travelling from the West End but don’t be expecting big money set changes and frequent costume shifts. These both are notable for their almost uncanny stamp of being deft lack of intrusion. What we’re here for is not jazz hands and big showy numbers. We’re here for the music that touched everyone from Don McLean to The Beatles.
The sheer joy of this production is worth putting on your credit card and secretly whispering ‘f**k it, we’ll eat the basics”.
Outstanding moments? Well, it’s easier to point out the parts that don’t shine. There’s silly little narratives which are only made sillier by a clumsy pen. Race is touched on twice, record company deals, radio incompetence, business rip offs, the split from the Crickets, pregnancy and so forth are mere background murmurs to what is otherwise a fantastic night out.
The blessings of this show are too many to mention. we see the birth of songs, we hear Rock ‘N” Roll at full tilt. From their Harlem debut in front of a black audience to rip-roaring versions of The Isley Brothers’ Shout, Richie Valens’ La Bamba and The Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace. All knock outs. They audience was on its feet and hands were clapped raw.
This review is brief, why might you ask? I simply want to gert this article published so you and your loved ones can for-go your plans for tonight and book into this great show.
For booking details visit ww.goh.co.uk or simply phone the box office on 028241919.
The Buddy Holly Story runs up to and including April 4th, 2026
ENDS
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