Written and produced by Alan Janes, The Buddy Holly Story has been delighting audiences worldwide since it first opened in 1989. Having toured across continents and played to more than 22 million people, the show has become a staple of jukebox theatre. Now, under the assured direction of Matt Salisbury, it arrives at The Lowry Theatre with a vibrant new cast who capture the energy, charm and tragedy of a legend of early rock ‘n’ roll.
The production follows Buddy Holly’s short yet dazzling career between 1956 and 1959, classed as the golden years of rock ‘n’ roll. Starting out as a country musician in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy quickly realised his sound belonged to a new era. With The Crickets, he forged a distinctive style that blended country roots with rhythm and blues influences, producing hits that defined the era: ‘That’ll Be the Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘Everyday’ and ‘Rave On’. His bold musical experimentation made him a pioneer, influencing later icons from The Beatles to Bob Dylan.
Amid his meteoric rise, the show also touches on his whirlwind romance with Maria Elena Santiago (Martha Miranda). Famously, Buddy proposed to her just five hours after they first met a romance both impetuous and sincere, offering the audience a glimpse of his warmth away from the spotlight.
As Buddy, AJ Jenks delivers a magnetic performance. His musicianship is outstanding, capturing Holly’s distinct vocal style and guitar work with uncanny precision. More than an impersonation, Jenks embodies Buddy’s charisma and physicality, from his boyish grin to the famous onstage moves that drove teenage fans wild.
He is supported by an ensemble of actor-musicians who each bring flair to their roles. Melker Nilsson, Stephen Alexander-Kerr and Joe Sterling play The Crickets with both musical dexterity and comic timing, reminding us of the camaraderie that powered Buddy’s early success. The show nods to their later split, when the band pursued their own career while Buddy struck out solo, a choice that left him vulnerable to the relentless grind of touring.
Joshua Barton as The Big Bopper and Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens both shine in their cameo moments. Barton booms through ‘Chantilly Lace’ with swagger, while Angel ignites the stage with his fiery take on ‘La Bamba’. Together, they provide a thrilling build-up to the fateful Winter Dance Party tour of 1959.
The staging captures the era with affection: authentic costumes, period instruments, and lighting that shifts from the bright optimism of recording studios to the pulsing excitement of live venues. Credit is due to the creative team for both sound and lighting design, which ensure every guitar riff, vocal harmony and audience clap feels immediate and alive.
The show excels at immersing its audience in the excitement of the late 1950s. The Harlem Apollo scene, in particular, invites full audience participation, transforming the Lowry into a lively New York concert hall. Later, the final act recreates Buddy’s last performance with bittersweet energy, knowing the “day the music died” would soon follow in that fatal plane crash. Holly was just 22; Ritchie Valens a mere 17. The Big Bopper, at 28, was the elder of the trio. The enormity of such lost potential still resonates.
Their enthusiasm was infectious, with the audience clapping along, singing the choruses, and visibly relishing every familiar tune. At times, it felt almost as though we had been transported back to those first heady concerts of the 1950s, sharing in the same excitement that once greeted Buddy Holly and his peers.
That said, one wonders whether the show has the same staying power for younger generations. Unlike Jersey Boys or We Will Rock You, which draw on artists with longer discographies and enduring cultural impact, The Buddy Holly Story feels more like a loving time capsule. It is undeniably moving but may not resonate as deeply with Gen Z or beyond, who are several cultural revolutions removed from Holly’s moment.
The tragedy of The Buddy Holly Story lies in both the narrative and the reality with the abrupt end to a life and career brimming with promise. Watching, one feels the sadness of what might have been: more songs, more innovation, more influence. While the production captures that sadness with sensitivity, it never lingers too long, ensuring the show remains a celebration first and foremost.
Still, not everything was seamless. In the second half, one of the backing singers occasionally overplayed her role, becoming distracting in moments that should have remained focused on Buddy. It was a small blemish in an otherwise polished evening.
The Buddy Holly Story is not just a jukebox musical but an affectionate tribute to one of rock ‘n’ roll’s true pioneers. AJ Jenks and the talented cast deliver a high-energy, heartfelt performance that honours the music while capturing the tragedy of its premature silence. Whether the show will still be packing theatres in another 30 years is uncertain but for now, it remains a joyous reminder of a musical revolution and the enduring power of songs that, for many, still sound as fresh as the day they were first played.
If you’re looking to reminisce about the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll or simply want an evening packed with infectious music and energy, then grab a ticket while you can Buddy runs until the 27th of September 2025 before carrying on with its tour, tickets are available at www.thelowry.com or at the box office.
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 22nd September 2025
North West End UK Rating: