The Stage

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Published Wednesday 17 March 2010 at 13:05 by Scott Matthewman

While the West End and touring versions of Buddy have played to much larger houses, the intimacy of a fringe venue enhances the pleasure of hearing some of rock’n’roll’s most notable songs being performed with such obvious affection.

A scene from Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

The tale of a country band struggling to be allowed to play rock’n’roll may not have much in the way of dramatic tension - pretty much the only major incident of Holly’s life came in the sudden ending of it - but it provides enough material for Janes and Bettinson’s book to provide linking material between the numbers that the audience is here for. And it is between songs that this young cast’s inexperience does, at times, show. That said, there are several strong performances, particularly from the women in the cast, with a comedic number by Deanna Farnell proving especially delightful.

But it is with the musical numbers that the entire cast has the opportunity to excel, capturing the sound and spirit of the period and with many of the actors doubling up on instruments throughout the evening. It also acts as a superb showcase for Roger Rowley, an actor who has yet to graduate, yet turns in an accomplished performance as Buddy.