REVIEW - BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY | THE LOWRY | 22/09/2025

Oh Boy! Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Rocks The Lowry

Since its debut in 1989, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has been delighting audiences worldwide, becoming the original jukebox musical before the term was even coined. Chronicling the astonishingly brief yet hugely influential career of Buddy Holly, the show has seen over 22,000 performances and been enjoyed by more than 23 million people globally. Returning on tour, it continues to celebrate the boy from Lubbock, Texas, who changed the course of popular music forever before his life was tragically cut short at just 22 years old.

Act One paints a vivid picture of Buddy Holly’s rapid climb from small-town beginnings to international stardom. We see the band pushing against expectations, experimenting in the studio, and proving themselves on stage — culminating in their history-making night at the Apollo Theatre, where the audience’s roar of approval closes the first half on an irresistible high. It’s a section that really conveys the drive, ingenuity and sheer fun of Buddy’s early years.

Act Two takes a different path. Opening with Buddy’s whirlwind romance and marriage, it briefly touches on the tensions that drove him apart from The Crickets before shifting gears into pure performance. The Winter Dance Party becomes less a continuation of the drama and more a faithful recreation of a rock ’n’ roll gig. While the narrative beats are lighter here, the atmosphere is electric — especially when Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper join Buddy for a roof-raising set that has the audience cheering, clapping, and wanting to dance in the aisles. Only in the quiet final moments does the devastating reality of what followed sink in.

Visually, this production keeps things simple. The staging is modest, relying on backdrops, costumes, and instruments to transport us to the late 1950s. But this sparseness allows the music to shine. From the infectious bounce of Oh Boy to the tenderness of True Love Ways, every note is played live on stage by the talented cast. The Clear Lake finale transforms the theatre into a buzzing rock ’n’ roll concert. The costumes are perfectly pitched to the era, evoking nostalgia and authenticity without feeling dated.

The cast of actor-musicians are nothing short of phenomenal. AJ Jenks leads as Buddy Holly, capturing both the charm and determination of the young star while delivering vocals and guitar work that feel almost uncanny in their authenticity. Miguel Angel dazzles in dual roles, especially as Ritchie Valens, where La Bamba has the audience whooping with joy. Joshua Barton brings larger-than-life charisma as The Big Bopper, with Chantilly Lace an undeniable highlight. Laura-Dene Perryman injects powerhouse vocals, while Melker Nilsson impresses with his athletic double bass antics. Every member of the ensemble doubles as both musician and character, creating a seamless, high-energy performance that feels like pure rock ’n’ roll magic.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story isn’t a traditional musical brimming with drama — it’s more of a concert with flashes of biography. But that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a celebration, a tribute, and above all, a chance to revel in the joy of Buddy Holly’s music. For lifelong fans, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of rock ’n’ roll. For newcomers, it’s a discovery of just how influential Holly’s short career really was. At The Lowry, the audience left smiling, clapping, and with songs like Peggy Sue and That’ll Be The Day stuck in their heads. A rock ’n’ roll party you won’t want to miss.

A nostalgic, high-energy celebration of a music legend, brimming with talent and toe-tapping tunes.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is at The Lowry until Saturday 27th September 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Hamish Gill f8creates