|
Review
by Sam Abercromby
From
the very start of this musical we were completely immersed in the
world of Buddy Holly, one of the great pioneers of rock'n'roll.
We
were taken on a whirlwind journey from his humble start in Lubbock,
Texas, playing country music, to international success as a rock'n'roll
star, through to his eventual tragedy.
What
really strikes you is the slickness and energy of the whole performance.
Sets
slide in and acts merge together in such a way that you feel that
you are watching a television show from the Fifties, or even one
of Buddy’s live shows.
The
comperes banter with the audience and invite you to clap your hands
and get singing.
The
settings, clothes and even accents are completely convincing and
draw you back to a golden age.
The
music was spot on and Buddy, played by Gus MacGregor, was fantastic
as the headstrong "My music, my way" Texan.
He
stormed through hits such as Rave On and Peggy Sue with vigour and
style, supported by an outstanding group of musicians.
The
cast really gave it everything and there was not one dull moment.
I had
a permanent grin on my face and judging by the way the toe-tapping
was shaking the floor I don’t think I was alone.
During
the performance rock'n'roll was called a disease - if it was, most
of the audience were certainly infected!
Throughout
the show we really felt like we were part of the story and when
Oh Boy was played, everyone stood up and started dancing.
I
think the whole show was summed up nicely by a lady beside me who
said: "Well, I’ve never left the theatre singing before!"
Buddy
may be gone but his music is definitely here to stay.
Buddy
- The
Buddy Holly Story runs at The Oxford until Saturday February 22.
Ìý
|
