buddy holly story uk tour

BUDDY 2023 UK TOUR

01/07/2022 11:35:00 by Rick Thorne 3 Comments --> News

‘The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Musical’ Announces 2023 UK Tour!

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY ‘ PURE UNADULTERATED FUN ’ The Daily Telegraph ‘ THE SHOW YOU’LL NEVER FORGET ’ Daily Mail On the back of an incredibly successful 30th year anniversary tour, smash hit rock & roll musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is back in the UK in 2023. The tour opens at Basildon Towngate Theatre on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 for six performances ahead of a 40-week UK tour. Buddy has enjoyed phenomenal success, having played a record-breaking 4668 performances over 580 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End. Buddy is one of a small number of iconic musicals including Les Misérables , Phantom of the Opera ,  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat , Miss Saigon , Evita and Cats in reaching a phenomenal three decades on stage. Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring story of the musical icon’s meteoric rise from his Southern rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of just 22. In 18 short months the bespectacled boy from Lubbock, Texas, revolutionised the face of contemporary music, and would influence everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. Boasting a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics ‘That’ll Be The Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘Oh Boy’, ‘Everyday’ and ‘Rave On’. With the Big Bopper’s ‘Chantilly Lace’ and Ritchie Valens’ ‘La Bamba’, and rip-roaring versions of ‘Shout’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’ completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of family entertainment. Writer/Producer Alan Janes says: “We are so excited to be back on tour and to see our audiences – aged 8 to 80 – dance in the aisles every night to our story of a young man whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period, but whose music will be remembered forever.” Since its inception, Buddy has inspired a generation of multi-million selling jukebox musicals including  Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You yet remains the true original and a musical phenomenon. Seen by more than 22 million theatregoers since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences rockin’ in the aisles across the globe! Casting and full tour dates to be announced in due course. The tour of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story  will open at Basildon Towngate Theatre on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 for six performances ahead of a 40-week UK tour . Tickets for Basildon go on sale from midday Friday 1st July 2022 and will be available to purchase online at towngatetheatre.co.uk or when calling the Box Office on 01268 205 300. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – the Years in Numbers : • Since opening at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, in August 1989, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story , by Alan Janes, has played 580 weeks (4,668 performances) on tour in the UK, and 728 weeks (5822 performances) in London’s West End – for a total of 10,490 UK performances! • Buddy ran in the West End for over 14 years – playing the Victoria Palace, Novello, and Duchess Theatres – making it one of the longest-running shows in London theatre history! • Extended runs and tours have included London, the UK, Broadway, USA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Reno, Canada, Toronto, British Columbia, Australia, Sydney, New Zealand, Germany, Hamburg, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Ireland, Japan, and Singapore • In total our Buddy Hollys have sung 17 songs 266,794 times • Since Buddy first began there have been 27 actors playing the title role of Buddy in the West End, on tour and on Broadway • 3,326 pairs of trousers have had to be replaced – due to Buddy knee sliding across stages throughout the world – and 414 pairs of glasses • The Cast album has received a Gold Disc and is ‘Buddy’ close to reaching Platinum! • Throughout the world 13 couples have met and married while working in the company and there have been 26 Buddy babies! For more information, images, interviews or press tickets, please contact Mel Julians: [email protected] ‘IT’S STILL BUDDY BRILLIANT’ The Sun WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM BUDDY PRESS RELEASE_2023

The Buddy Holly Story

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has come to an end. Sign up to our Touring Alerts and we'll let you know when the show is back on the road!

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

This tour has now concluded.

Official Website: https://www.buddythemusical.com

Find out what musicals are coming to a theatre near you

Click the link to  Find A Musical Near You now, and choose your nearest town or city

"Oh, that'll be the day..."

SEEN BY OVER 22 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

On the back of an incredibly successful 30th year anniversary tour, smash hit rock & roll musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is back in the UK in 2023.This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since.

Forget feel good, BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY is FEEL GREAT! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly's story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic death at the age of just 22.

In 18 short months the bespectacled boy from Lubbock, Texas, revolutionised the face of contemporary music, and would influence everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.

Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including ‘That'll Be The Day', ‘Oh Boy', ‘Rave On', ‘La Bamba', ‘Chantilly Lace', ‘Johnny B. Goode', ‘Raining In My Heart', ‘Everyday', ‘Shout' and many many more, this show is just ‘Peggy Sue'-perb!

Book now for the most successful Rock & Roll Musical of all time! 

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY - CAST & CREATIVE

Casting for the 2023 UK tour of Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story is as follows:

• Buddy Holly – AJ Jenks / Christopher Weeks
• Joe B Mauldin – Joe Butcher
• Jerry Allison – Josh Haberfield
• Ritchie Valens / Tyrone Jones – Miguel Angel

and Daniel Agredo Piper , Stephanie Cremona , Jacob Leeson , Christopher Chandler ,  Samuelle Durojaiye , Ewan Ling , Thomas Mitchells and Laura-Dene Perryman .

• Writer & Producer –  Alan Janes
• Director –  Matt Salisbury

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY - VIDEO TRAILER

Listen to music from buddy holly.

Did you find this useful? If so, would you 'Like' our Facebook page?

Thank you we are new, and every 'like' goes a long way :).

• Bournemouth
• Derry / Londonderry
• High Wycombe
• Kingston upon Thames
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Northampton
• Peterborough
• Southampton
• Southend-on-Sea
• Stockton-on-Tees
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Wolverhampton

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story 2023 UK Tour | Tickets and Venues

Now in its 30th year, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Musical – the sensational multi-award-winning West End show is coming to a theatre near you.

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY 2023 TOUR

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has been seen by over 22 million people worldwide and now returns to UK stages in 2023.

Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is feel great! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of phenomenally talented actors and musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue-perb!

WATCH BUDDY MUSICAL TOUR TRAILER

The Buddy Holly Story 2023 Tour Dates

This tour has now concluded

Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

• Odnoklassniki
• Facebook Messenger
• LiveJournal

• Email Address * Enter Email Please Confirm Email
• Off West-End / Fringe
• Live Comedy
• Events / Festivals
• Family Shows
• LGBTQ Productions
• Alternative Theatre
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You can Update Your Preferences or Unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email we send you.

Box office 01323 412 000

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

SEEN BY OVER 22 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

This sensational multi award-winning West End and Broadway show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. Now it triumphantly visits Eastbourne as part of its 2023 UK Tour.

Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is FEEL GREAT! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic death at the age of just 22.

Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day , Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart , Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue - perb !  

Book now for The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Musical!

IT’S BUDDY BRILLIANT

PURE UNADULTERATED FUN

THE SHOW YOU WILL NEVER FORGET

You might also like

Become a member today.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Tue 14 to Sat 18 Mar 2023

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Thu & Sat, 2:30pm

Running Time: 2 hours 35 mins (includes 20 min interval)

Warning: Contains haze and flashing lights

Friends Discounts available See discounts tab for more details

• Tickets & Dates

SEEN BY OVER 22 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. Now it triumphantly visits the Festival Theatre as part of its 2023 UK Tour.

Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is FEEL GREAT! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic death at the age of just 22.

Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day , Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart , Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue - perb !  

Book now for the most successful Rock & Roll Musical of all time!

‘IT’S BUDDY BRILLIANT’ The Sun

“PURE UNADULTERATED FUN” Daily Telegraph

Friends Discount

20% off (excl Fri & Sat) or 2 for 1 Opening Night

BECOME OUR FRIEND

Capital Theatres aim to be accessible to all.

We are committed to making your visit to our theatres as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.  All of our Front of House staff undergo disability awareness training and Dementia Friend Training and will be pleased to assist you should you require any information or help. 

Find more information about access to the Festival Theatre.

Access Performances

• Thu 16 Mar, 7.30pm

Audio Description

• Sat 18 Mar, 2.30pm
• Audio Describers: Amanda Drollinger & Veronica Kinahan

BSL Sign Language Interpreted

• Touch Tour: 1 hour before the performance, 1.30pm
• Interpreter: Paul Belmonte (Stage Left)

Friends   2 for 1 opening night or 20% off (Excl. Fri & Sat Performances)

Groups (8+)   £4 off Stalls and Dress  Please note groups cannot be booked online. If you wish to book a Group, please contact our dedicated Groups email, [email protected], or phone on 0131 529 6005.

School Groups   £8.50 tickets, 1 teacher free with every 10 students.  Please note groups cannot be booked online. If you wish to book a Group, please contact our dedicated Groups email, [email protected], or phone on 0131 529 6005.

Concessions  £3 off Concessions are limited and may be withdrawn at any time.

Student Standbys  £10*

Discounts are available to people with disabilities , please call box office to buy your tickets. If you would like to book a wheelchair space or if you have any special requirements, please phone the box office who can advise. 

• Our staff can be called on  0131 529 6000
• by using Text Relay on 18002  0131 529 6003
• or email at   [email protected] .

* Student Standby tickets are subject to availability on the day of the performance and can only be purchased in person at the Box Office from 12pm. A valid Student or Young Scot ID is required. Only one ticket per card.

All discounts may be withdrawn at any time. 

Shows you might like View all shows

CATS - The Beyond Broadway Experience

Fri 26 to Sat 27 July 2024

A Chorus Line

Tue 24 to Sat 28 September 2024

DEMENTIA - The Musical

Sat 12 October 2024

Sign up for our newsletter

The Festival Theatre, King's Theatre and The Studio, Edinburgh are managed by Capital Theatres, 13 / 29 Nicolson Street Edinburgh, EH8 9FT. Registered Scottish Charity SC018605.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Website navigation

Buddy - the buddy holly story, seen by over 22 million people worldwide.

This sensational multi award-winning West End and Broadway show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. Now it triumphantly returns to Plymouth as part of its 2023 UK Tour.

Forget feel good, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is FEEL GREAT! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his Texas rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic death at the age of just 22.

Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day , Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart , Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue – perb !

Book now for The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Musical!

Important information

Running time: 2hrs 30 mins (inc. interval)

Age guideline: 12+

Captioned performance : Thu 01 Jun, 19:30

Audio Described performance : Sat 03 Jun, 14:30

Audio Described notes for Act 1 can be viewed here .

Audio Described notes for Act 2 can be viewed here .

Touch Tour : Sat 03 Jun, 13:30

Content information will become available for this production soon.

Please note – most of our productions feature flashing lights and loud sounds.  

If you require this information prior to booking, please check back for updates or call our Box Office on 01752 267222.

Pure unadulterated fun

Daily Telegraph

The show you’ll never forget

• In London or across the UK
• at Edinburgh Fringe
• List Your Show
• Advertising
• Ballet & Dance

• Off-West End
• Regional & Tours
• Digital Theatre
• Join us as a Reviewer

The Cast of Buddy The Buddy Holly Story

Full Cast Announced for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’s 2023 UK Tour

The West End and Broadway smash-hit musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story announces the full cast for its 2023 UK tour, currently booking until October 2023.

AJ Jenks and Christopher Weeks reprise the role of Buddy Holly on alternate performances, along with Joe Butcher as Joe B. Mauldin, Josh Haberfield as Jerry Allison and Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens/Tyrone Jones.

They are joined by new cast members: Daniella Agredo Piper, Christopher Chandler, Stephanie Cremona, Samuelle Durojaiye, Jacob Leeson, Ewan Ling, Thomas Mitchells and Laura-Dene Perryman.

The show opens at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre on Wednesday 22nd February for six performances, ahead of a UK tour covering the length and breadth of the country. From Plymouth to Inverness, Canterbury to Sheffield, Manchester to Glasgow and Newcastle to Belfast, plus many more locations in between! Tickets on sale now and booking until 7 th October.

Writer and Producer Alan Janes says: “We’re thrilled to be back for our 2023 UK tour, which feels extra special as we re-connect with our audiences and fans. Our cast of hugely talented actors and musicians will ensure everyone has an unforgettable night at the theatre.”

You might also like

Cast Announced for Dick Whittington at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

Cast Announced for RSC’s Nationwide Schools Tour of Twelfth Night

Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring story of the musical icon’s meteoric rise from his Southern rockabilly beginnings to international stardom and his legendary final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of just 22.

In just 18 months the bespectacled boy from Lubbock, Texas, revolutionised the face of contemporary music, and would influence everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.

Boasting a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day , Peggy Sue , Oh Boy, Everyday and Rave On . With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba , and rip-roaring versions of Shout and Johnny B. Goode completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of family entertainment.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has enjoyed phenomenal success, having played a record-breaking 4668 performances over 580 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End.  Buddy is one of a small number of iconic musicals including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, Evita and Cats in reaching a phenomenal three decades on stage.

Although there have been many imitations, Buddy has stood the test of time. The show has inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals, including Mamma Mia , We Will Rock You , and Jersey Boys , yet remains a true original and musical phenomenon.

Visit: buddythemusical.com for all tour details.

Staff Writer

At Theatre Weekly we are dedicated to giving theatre a new audience. Our News, Reviews and Interviews are all written with the audience in mind, helping you decide what to see next. And when you have decided, our great ticket deals will help save you money too.

Related Articles

Saturday Night Fever Returns for UK Tour

Edinburgh Review: THE iDiOT CIRCUS: Death Is Coming at Assembly Piccolo

• Join Our Community
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Recent News

The Witching Hour will thrill and terrify audiences at Bridewell Theatre this summer

First Look: Hen Night Horror in Rehearsal

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

• Off West End
• Regional & Tours

Theatre Fan

The Latest Theatre News, Views & Reviews By Shaun Tossell

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY – UK TOUR CAST ANNOUNCED

⭐ BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY – UK TOUR CAST ANNOUNCED ⭐

The cast for the 2023 UK tour of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has been announced.

AJ Jenks and Christopher Weeks will both star as Buddy Holly, alternating the titular role, alongside Joe Butcher as Joe B Mauldin, Josh Haberfield as Jerry Allison and Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens/Tyrone Jones.

Also starring Daniella Agredo Piper, Christopher Chandler, Stephanie Cremona, Samuelle Durojaiye, Jacob Leeson, Ewan Ling, Thomas Mitchells and Laura-Dene Perryman.

The UK tour will open at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon on 22nd February 2023 before heading to Darlington, Chesterfield, Edinburgh, York, Aberdeen, Bath, Canterbury, Manchester, Blackpool, Skegness, Aylesbury, Dartford, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Swansea, Bradford, Southampton, Stoke-On-Trent, Sheffield, Glasgow, Inverness, Nottingham, Derry, Belfast, Bromley, Newcastle, Kings Lynn, High Wycombe, Cardiff, Peterborough and Barnstaple.

Further venues are still to be confirmed.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly story tells the true story of buddy’s meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when ‘That’ll Be The Day’ hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later on “The day the music died”.

The show features over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits including ‘That’ll Be The Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’, ‘Everyday’, ‘Oh Boy’, ‘Not Fade Away’, ‘Rave On’ and ‘Raining In My Heart’. Plus Ritchie Valens’ ‘La Bamba’ and The Big Bopper’s ‘Chantilly Lace’.

Brilliant! ! !

Thoughts? X x x

Tickets & more info – https://www.buddythemusical.com/

Share this:

Related post.

DEBBIE KURUP, THOMAS GRANT & MAX JAMES HODGE ANNOUNCED FOR UK PREMIERE OF FANGIRLS

MURIEL’S WEDDING – THE MUSICAL – UK PREMIERE ANNOUNCED FOR CURVE LEICESTER – SPRING 2025

LONGITUDE – A NEW MUSICAL – UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE – FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

SISTER ACT – THE MUSICAL – WEST END LIVE CAST RECORDING ANNOUNCED

CORALINE – A MUSICAL – WORLD PREMIERE ANNOUNCED – LEEDS PLAYHOUSE – SPRING 2025

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story 30th Anniversary Tour Full Cast Announced

Through its phenomenal run of productions and performances across five continents, Buddy has become known as ‘The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Musical’ and will celebrate its 30th anniversary year embarking on a UK-wide tour in 2019 and 2020. The tour previews at the Harlow Playhouse on Wed 28 – Sat 31 August, before its official opening at Theatre Royal, Plymouth – the spiritual home of where the show first opened in 1989.

Writer and Producer Alan Janes says: “ We can’t wait to get back on the road for this special 30th anniversary UK tour of Buddy, with a new cast of hugely talented actors and musicians, who will be aiming to give audiences an unforgettable night at the theatre .”

Although there have been many imitations, Buddy has stood the test of time. The show has inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals, including Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, and Jersey Boys, yet remains a true original and musical phenomenon.

BEFORE THE BEATLES, BEFORE THE STONES… ROCK and ROLL WAS BORN Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame through to his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In 18 short months the bespectacled young man from Lubbock, Texas, revolutionized the face of popular music, influencing everyone from Bob Dylan and The Beatles to Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. Audiences will be taken on a journey through Buddy’s short yet spectacular career, and with the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not-to-be-missed evening of family entertainment.

Since opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth in August 1989, Buddy has enjoyed extraordinary success, having played a record-breaking 4450 performances over 556 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End, winning numerous awards along the way. 2019 sees Buddy joining a small – but lauded – number of iconic musicals including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, Evita and Cats in reaching a remarkable three decades on stage.

Seen by over 22 million music fans since it first opened in London’s West End, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences from ages 8 to 80 rockin’ in the aisles across the globe!

King’s Theatre in Glasgow Tuesday 11th February to Saturday 15th February 2020

Regent Theatre in Stoke Tuesday 18th February to Saturday 22nd February 2020

The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham Tuesday 3rd March to Saturday 7th March 2020

Grand Opera House in York Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th March 2020

Princess Theatre, Torquay Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th May 2020

Liverpool Empire Monday 11th May to Wednesday 13th May 2020

Book Tickets for The Buddy Tour

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY 30 Years in Numbers:

• Since opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, in August 1989, BUDDY has played 556 weeks (4,450 performances) on tour in the U.K., and 728 weeks (5822 performances) in London’s West End – for a total of 10,272 U.K. performances!
• In total, our Buddy Hollys have sung 17 songs 264,346 times
• 186,000 guitar strings have been replaced (92 miles) and over 212,000 plectrums used
• 3,320 pairs of trousers have had to be replaced – due to Buddy knee-sliding across stages throughout the world – and 410 pairs of glasses
• Over 33 tons of washing powder have been used by our Wardrobe Mistresses/Masters, as well as more than 2,750 gallons of fabric conditioner
• 150,000 feet (28.41 miles) of guitar cable have been used and 3,038,785 radio mic batteries replaced.
• The trucks that are used to transport the show from venue to venue have now travelled approximately five-and-three-quarter times around the world!
• The performers have drunk over 104,000 gallons of bottled water. The beer intake has never been monitored!
• Throughout the world, 12 couples have met and married while working in the company and there have been 26 Buddy babies!
• Extended runs and tours have included London, UK tours, Broadway, US tours, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Reno, Canada, Toronto, British Columbia, Australia, Sydney, New Zealand, Germany, Hamburg, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Ireland, Japan, and Singapore
• Buddy ran in the West End for over 14 years – playing the Victoria Palace, Strand (now Novello), and Duchess Theatres – making it one of the longest-running shows in London theatre history!

Buddy The Musical Other Venues https://www.buddythemusical.com/

Maybe of Interest? Shows Booking Now

• Squeeze 50th Anniversary Tour Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Ti...
• Barry Steele & Friends – The Roy Orbison Story at...
• Blue Man Group: Bluevolution World Tour at The Alexandra The...
• Squeeze 50th Anniversary Tour at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Tr...
• Squeeze 50th Anniversary Tour Swansea Arena Tickets

About The Author

• West End & London Musicals
• Musicals on tour
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024

Cast for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story musical tour in 2023 announced

Casting has been announced for the 2023 tour of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story musical.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame through to his final legendary performance before his tragic and untimely passing aged 22.

A new UK tour opens in February in Basildon before visiting Darlington, Chesterfield, Edinburgh, York, Aberdeen, Bath, Canterbury, Manchester, Blackpool, Skegness, Aylesbury, Dartford, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Swansea, Bradford, Southampton, Stoke, Sheffield, Glasgow, Inverness, Nottingham, Derry, Belfast, Bromley, Newcastle, King’s Lynn, High Wycombe, Cardiff, Peterborough and Barnstaple.

The Buddy Holly Story cast

Leading the cast will be Christopher Weeks and AJ Jenks who alternate the role of Buddy Holly at certain performances.

They’ll be joined by Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens & Tyrone Jones, Joe Butcher as Joe B. Mauldin, Christopher Chandler as J.P. Richardson ‘the Big Bopper’, Stephanie Cremona as Vi Petty, Samuelle Durojaiye as Marlena Madison, Josh Haberfield as Jerry Allison, Jacob Leeson as Swing Actor & Musician, Ewan Ling as Jack Daw, Thomas Mitchells as Hipockets Duncan, Laura-Dene Perryman as Chantel Williams and Daniella Agredo Piper as Maria Elena.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story musical UK tour tickets, dates and venues »

The musical is written and produced by Alan Janes. The tour is directed by Matt Salisbury with design by Adrian Rees, musical direction by Dean Elliott, sound design by Pete Cox (for Thames Audio Systems), lighting design by Darren Coopland, choreography by Miguel Angel and general manager Richard Porter.

More on: Musical Theatre News

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.

popular now

Curve to stage UK premiere of Muriel's Wedding The Musical

Cast announced for The Baker's Wife revival in London

Hate crime reported during performance of Grease the Musical

Watch Glinda get stuck in her bubble in Wicked on Broadway

First trailer from Moana 2 with songs from Bridgerton The Musical duo

First look at Heathers The Musical back in the West End

World première of Wild Rose musical to debut in 2025

Flo & Joan's One-Man Musical

Your Lie in April

Mean Girls The Musical

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

A Jaffa Cake Musical

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Follow Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story on Ents24 to receive updates on any new tour dates the moment they are announced...

• Be the first to know about new tour dates
• Alerts are free and always will be
• We hate spam and will never share your email address with anyone else
• More than a million fans already rely on Ents24 to follow their favourite artists and venues

Past Events

Here are the most recent UK tour dates we had listed for Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Were you there?

October 2023

• Fri 13 Oct ➙ Sat 14 Oct Crawley, The Hawth Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 9 Oct ➙ Wed 11 Oct Lincoln, New Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 3 Oct ➙ Sat 7 Oct Barnstaple, Queens Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

September 2023

• Tue 26 Sep ➙ Sat 30 Sep Peterborough New Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 19 Sep ➙ Sat 23 Sep Eastbourne, Congress Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Thu 14 Sep ➙ Sat 16 Sep Cardiff, New Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 11 Sep ➙ Tue 12 Sep High Wycombe, Swan Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 5 Sep ➙ Sat 9 Sep King's Lynn Corn Exchange Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

August 2023

• Mon 28 Aug ➙ Sat 2 Sep Newcastle upon Tyne, Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 22 Aug ➙ Sat 26 Aug Bromley, Churchill Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 15 Aug ➙ Sat 19 Aug Belfast, Grand Opera House Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 8 Aug ➙ Sat 12 Aug Derry, Millennium Forum Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 25 Jul ➙ Sat 29 Jul Nottingham, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Wed 19 Jul ➙ Sat 22 Jul Inverness, Eden Court Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 11 Jul ➙ Sat 15 Jul Glasgow, Kings Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 4 Jul ➙ Sat 8 Jul Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 27 Jun ➙ Sat 1 Jul Stoke-on-Trent, Regent Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 20 Jun ➙ Sat 24 Jun Southampton, Mayflower Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 13 Jun ➙ Sat 17 Jun Bradford, Alhambra Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 6 Jun ➙ Sat 10 Jun Swansea Grand Theatre and Arts Wing Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 30 May ➙ Sat 3 Jun Plymouth, Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 23 May ➙ Sat 27 May Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 16 May ➙ Sat 20 May Dartford, Orchard Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 9 May ➙ Sat 13 May Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 2 May ➙ Sat 6 May Skegness, Embassy Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 25 Apr ➙ Sat 29 Apr Blackpool, Grand Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Thu 20 Apr ➙ Sat 22 Apr Manchester, Opera House Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 4 Apr ➙ Sat 8 Apr Bath Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 28 Mar ➙ Sat 1 Apr Aberdeen, His Majesty's Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 21 Mar ➙ Sat 25 Mar York, Grand Opera House Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 14 Mar ➙ Sat 18 Mar Edinburgh, Festival Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

February 2023

• Tue 28 Feb ➙ Sat 4 Mar Darlington Hippodrome Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Wed 22 Feb ➙ Sat 25 Feb Basildon, Towngate Theatre & Mirren Studio Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 24 Mar ➙ Sat 28 Mar York, Grand Opera House Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 3 Mar ➙ Sat 7 Mar Birmingham, The Alexandra Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

February 2020

• Tue 18 Feb ➙ Sat 22 Feb Stoke-on-Trent, Regent Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 11 Feb ➙ Sat 15 Feb Glasgow, Kings Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 3 Feb ➙ Sat 8 Feb Inverness, Eden Court Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

January 2020

• Mon 27 Jan ➙ Sat 1 Feb Salford, The Lowry Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 20 Jan ➙ Sat 25 Jan Dunstable, Grove Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Thu 16 Jan ➙ Sat 18 Jan Yeovil, Octagon Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 13 Jan ➙ Tue 14 Jan Crawley, The Hawth Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Wed 8 Jan ➙ Sat 11 Jan Southampton, Mayflower Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

November 2019

• Tue 26 Nov ➙ Sat 30 Nov Cardiff, New Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 18 Nov ➙ Sat 23 Nov Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 11 Nov ➙ Sat 16 Nov Croydon, Fairfield Halls Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Thu 7 Nov ➙ Sat 9 Nov Coventry, Belgrade Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

October 2019

• Tue 29 Oct ➙ Sat 2 Nov Lighthouse, Poole Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 22 Oct ➙ Sat 26 Oct Blackpool, Grand Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Mon 14 Oct ➙ Sat 19 Oct Bridlington Spa Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 8 Oct ➙ Sat 12 Oct Dartford, Orchard Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

September 2019

• Mon 30 Sep ➙ Sat 5 Oct Chesterfield, Pomegranate Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 24 Sep ➙ Sat 28 Sep Skegness, Embassy Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Tue 17 Sep ➙ Sat 21 Sep Darlington Hippodrome Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 9 Sep ➙ Sat 14 Sep Northampton, Royal & Derngate Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 2 Sep ➙ Sat 7 Sep Plymouth, Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

August 2019

• Wed 28 Aug ➙ Sat 31 Aug Harlow Playhouse Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 3 Jul ➙ Sat 7 Jul Romford, Brookside Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 3 Apr ➙ Sat 7 Apr Windsor, Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

February 2018

• Wed 14 Feb ➙ Sat 24 Feb Romford, Brookside Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Wed 12 Jul ➙ Sat 15 Jul Bradford, Alhambra Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 4 Jul ➙ Sat 8 Jul Cardiff, New Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 27 Jun ➙ Sat 1 Jul Richmond Theatre, Surrey Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 13 Jun ➙ Sat 17 Jun Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 5 Jun ➙ Sat 10 Jun Brighton, Theatre Royal Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 30 May ➙ Sat 3 Jun Manchester, Palace Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 22 May ➙ Sat 27 May Carlisle, The Sands Centre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 15 May ➙ Sat 20 May Dundee Rep Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 9 May ➙ Sat 13 May Bromley, Churchill Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 2 May ➙ Sat 6 May Hastings, The White Rock Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Thu 27 Apr ➙ Sat 29 Apr Liverpool Empire Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 24 Apr ➙ Tue 25 Apr King's Lynn Corn Exchange Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Thu 20 Apr ➙ Sat 22 Apr Ipswich, Regent Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 17 Apr ➙ Tue 18 Apr Crawley, The Hawth Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 4 Apr ➙ Sat 8 Apr Glasgow, Kings Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 28 Mar ➙ Sat 1 Apr Birmingham, The Alexandra Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 21 Mar ➙ Sat 25 Mar York, Grand Opera House Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 7 Mar ➙ Sat 11 Mar Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

February 2017

• Tue 28 Feb ➙ Sat 4 Mar Edinburgh, Festival Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 20 Feb ➙ Sat 25 Feb Blackpool, Grand Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 14 Feb ➙ Sat 18 Feb Belfast, Grand Opera House Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Thu 9 Feb ➙ Sat 11 Feb Sunderland Empire Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

January 2017

• Tue 31 Jan ➙ Sat 4 Feb Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 24 Jan ➙ Sat 28 Jan London, New Wimbledon Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 16 Jan ➙ Sat 21 Jan Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Wed 11 Jan ➙ Sat 14 Jan Southampton, Mayflower Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

November 2016

• Tue 22 Nov ➙ Sat 26 Nov Swindon, Wyvern Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 15 Nov ➙ Sat 19 Nov Crewe, Lyceum Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 7 Nov ➙ Sat 12 Nov Northampton, Royal & Derngate Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 1 Nov ➙ Sat 5 Nov Bournemouth Pavilion Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

October 2016

• Tue 25 Oct ➙ Sat 29 Oct Dartford, Orchard Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Tue 18 Oct ➙ Sat 22 Oct Swansea Grand Theatre and Arts Wing Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Wed 12 Oct ➙ Sat 15 Oct Coventry, Belgrade Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Thu 6 Oct ➙ Sat 8 Oct Hayes, Beck Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 3 Oct ➙ Tue 4 Oct High Wycombe, Swan Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

September 2016

• Tue 27 Sep ➙ Sat 1 Oct Portsmouth, Kings Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Fri 23 Sep ➙ Sat 24 Sep Watford Colosseum Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 19 Sep ➙ Wed 21 Sep Guildford, G Live Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Mon 12 Sep ➙ Sat 17 Sep Chesterfield, Pomegranate Theatre Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)
• Wed 7 Sep ➙ Sat 10 Sep Skegness, Embassy Theatre Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Touring)

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Musical Review

I was invited to the press night of ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’ at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre. The West End and Broadway smash-hit musical opened at Basildon, Essex and extends it’s UK tour to 14th October 2023.

AD | I have been or could be compensated if you click on a link in this post via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Buddy has enjoyed phenomenal success, having played a record-breaking 4668 performances over 580 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5822 performances in London’s West End. Celebrating over 30 years, Buddy is one of a small number of iconic musicals including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, Evita and Cats to reach a spectacular three decades on stage.

What's in this post? Click Here...

So what is Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Musical all about? Read our review and find out everything you need to know about the show and UK tour 2023!

Whether you are a fan of Buddy Holly or not, rock & roll wouldn’t exist without Buddy Holly. This show will have you tapping your feet and clapping along to many of Buddy’s famous tracks. A high energy show with upbeat tempos telling the story of Buddy’s career and his rise to fame before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1959.

In Act one, the stage is set as a Radio station before later transforming to a recording studio. We meet Buddy Holly and The Crickets, starting out on their local radio station and their journey to getting a contract. We get an insight to his creative processes and how he created many of his hit songs including That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Everyday and many more. The end of act one we relive his famous performance at Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York.

Act 2 is a re-creation of Buddy Holly’s final gig at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3 1959. We are transported to this glittering ball room where Buddy played on stage with The Big Bopper (played by Christopher Chandler) and Ritchie Valens (played by Miguel Angel). You can expect to hear massive tracks such as La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and Johnny B. Goode. This was the unfortunate night all three of them died in a plane crash, with Buddy at the tragic young age of just 22.

Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly was an American musician, singer-songwriter and producer. Initially playing country music before developing his own rock ‘n’ roll style in the mid 50’s. Recognised for his unique sound and distinctive bespectacled look, this guitar playing legend released hit after hit during his time. One of his best known singles was ‘Peggy Sue’.

Sadly, Buddy Holly’s life was cut short in 1959 when he and fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson were killed in a plane crash while on tour. This tragedy shook the music world, leaving devastated fans in its wake. They mourned the loss of one of the most talented and innovative artists of his generation. Despite the heart breaking end to Buddy Holly’s life, his music continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, including the likes of The Beetles and the Rolling Stones.

My thoughts on the show

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Theatre show was simply fantastic. I knew practically all of the songs and it was such a feel good experience. You could feel the whole audience lit up from the energy emitted from on stage, appealing to both young and old. With the performance including the live band on stage made it feel like we were at a real Buddy Holly concert.

It was perfectly cast, AJ Jenks who played Buddy was just amazing. He sounded just like Buddy and played the part spectacularly, he made this show incredibly easy and joyful to watch. The whole cast were such a talented group of actor-musicians, it is easy to see why this show got a standing ovation. It was a joy to just see everyone enjoying themselves on stage.

This was a fun packed and uplifting retelling of Buddy Holly’s career in music and it absolutely hits the nail on the head! Whether you are a Buddy Holly fan or not, this feel good show is guaranteed to put a smile on your face whilst appreciating some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll! This musical surpassed my expectations!

Everything you need to know to book tickets for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story UK Tour:

Meet the cast & team.

• Buddy Holly –  AJ Jenks / Christopher Weeks
• Joe B Mauldin –  Joe Butcher
• Jerry Allison –  Josh Haberfield
• Ritchie Valens / Tyrone Jones –  Miguel Angel
• Daniel Agredo Piper
• Stephanie Cremona
• Jacob Leeson
• Christopher Chandler
• Samuelle Durojaiye
• Thomas Mitchells
• Laura-Dene Perryman .
• Writer & Producer –  Alan Janes
• Director –  Matt Salisbury

Buddy UK Tour Dates and booking details:

• 22 – 25 February, Basildon Towngate Theatre 01268 205 300
• 28 February – 4 March, Darlington Hippodrome 01325 405405
• 7 – 11 March, Chesterfield Theatres 01246 345 222
• 14 – 18 March, Edinburgh Capital Theatres 0131 529 6000
• 21 – 25 March, York Grand Opera House 0333 009 6690
• 28 March – 1 April, Aberdeen Performing Arts 01224 641122
• 4 – 8 April Bath, Theatre Royal 01225 448844
• 11 – 15 April, Canterbury Marlowe Theatre 01227 787787
• 20 – 22 April, Manchester Opera House 0333 009 6690
• 25 – 29 April, Blackpool The Grand Theatre 01253 290190
• 2 – 6 May, Skegness The Embassy Theatre 01754 474100
• 9 – 13 May, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0333 310 0033
• 16 – 20 May, Dartford Orchard Theatre 0343 310 0033
• 23 – 27 May, Shrewsbury Theatre Severn 01743 281281
• 30 May – 3 June, Plymouth Theatre Royal 01752 267222
• 6 – 10 June, Swansea Grand Theatre 01792 475715
• 13 – 17 June, Bradford Theatres 01274 432000
• 20 – 24 June, Southampton Mayflower Theatre 02380 711811
• 27 June – 1 July,Stoke-On-Trent Regent Theatre 0333 009 6690
• 4 – 8 July, Sheffield Theatres 0114 249 6000
• 11 – 15 July, Glasgow King’s Theatre 0333 009 6690
• 19 – 22 July, Inverness Empire Theatre 01463 234 234
• 25 – 29 July, Nottingham Theatre Royal 0115 989 5555
• 8 – 12 August, Derry Millennium Forum 028 7126 4455
• 15 – 19 August, Belfast Grand Opera House 028 9024 1919
• 22 – 26 August, Bromley Churchill Theatre 0343 310 0020
• 28 August – 2 September, Newcastle Theatre Royal 0191 232 7010
• 5 – 9 September, Kings Lynn Corn Exchange 01553 764864
• 11 – 12 September, High Wycombe Swan 0343 310 0060
• 14 – 16 September, Cardiff New Theatre 0343 310 0041
• 19 – 23 September, Eastbourne Congress Theatre 01323 412000
• 26 – 30 September, Peterborough New Theatre 01733 852 992
• 3 – 7 October, Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre 01271 316523
• 13 – 14 October, Crawley The Hawth 01293 553636

What is the expected running time?

The show is 2 hours long with a 20 minute interval.

I was invited to the press night of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Thank you for reading ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Musical Review’.

Similar Posts

‘Kevin’ by Rob Biddulph – A Review

‘Kevin’ by Rob Biddulph We were thrilled to receive a copy of ‘Kevin’ the newest book…

What is the David Lloyd Blaze workout about?

What is David Lloyd Blaze? You may have noticed that David Lloyd clubs has recently renovated…

Princess and the frog, a perfect first ballet

Eden’s first ballet I have wanted to take Eden to a ballet for a while now….

Free Easter Time SVG Cut File

FREE Easter Time SVG PERFECT FOR CRAFTS AND SCRAPBOOKING This Free Easter Time SVG is perfect…

Afternoon Tea at The Inn at Belfairs

We visited the beautiful restaurant at The Inn at Belfairs at Leigh on Sea in Essex…

Cinderella Panto at Towngate Theatre Basildon Review

Cinderella Pantomime at the Towngate Theatre I received an invitation to attend the press night of…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Caprock Chronicles: Forgotten sounds behind Buddy Holly and the Crickets, part three: The Roses and Tommy Allsup

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Editor’s Note: Caprock Chronicles are edited by Jack Becker, Librarian Emeritus, Texas Tech University Libraries. He can be reached at [email protected] . Today’s article about Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ forgotten backup singers and instrumentalists is the last of a three-part series by frequent contributor Chuck Lanehart, Lubbock attorney and award-winning Western history writer.

Buddy Holly’s band was sometimes called the “Chirping” Crickets, but well-known instrumental band members — drummer Jerry Allison and bassist J.B. Mauldin — did not chirp. Rhythm guitarist Nicki Sullivan chimed in on a couple of records, but otherwise, the original Crickets never sang a note on records, or in public performances, or on radio/television appearances.

Until his tragic death in 1959, Buddy was always the lead singer and  primary lead guitarist of the Crickets, but many of Buddy’s recordings featured forgotten backup vocal groups and musicians who contributed to his iconic sound. Sadly, history has largely ignored these important vocalists and instrumentalists.

By 1958, The Picks — Crickets’ former backing vocalists — were falling apart. Bill Pickering was suffering from the effects of alcoholism, and John Pickering and Bob Lapham had military obligations. Producer Norman Petty looked elsewhere for background vocals on Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ records.

Enter David Bigham, born 1937, Robert Linville (1930) and Ray Rush (1936) — known collectively as “The Roses” — a professional vocal group whose members originated in the West Texas towns of Andrews and Odessa. The trio had backed Roy Orbison on his Sun Records recordings. Roy introduced the group to Petty, and The Roses became session vocalists at Petty’s Clovis studio between 1957 and 1959.

The Roses contributed to several Crickets’ recordings, including "It's So Easy!” They also accompanied Buddy on tour, for Alan Freed’s “Biggest Show of Stars” in the fall of 1958, backing Buddy and the Crickets for 23 live performances in 17 cities in the US and Canada.

The Roses sang with numerous recording artists in the late 1950s and also performed and recorded as The Roses. But Robert was drafted into the military, David married and the group broke up. Ray Rush released a few singles under his own name and remained in the music business.

Decades later, Robert and David reunited for musical ventures and helped with Clovis Music Festivals and Petty Studio tours. In 2000, The Roses were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and Robert and David performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Their last performance was with the Fireballs in Lubbock in 2001. In 2002, David and Ray met again for the first time since the late '50s.

The Roses were not credited for their backup vocals for Buddy and the Crickets’ original records. Petty paid modest session fees for their performances. Robert died in 2001, Ray died in 2020 and David died in 2021.

Tommy Allsup

A member of the Cherokee Nation, Tommy Allsup was born in Oklahoma in 1931, the 12 th of 13 children. A gifted lead guitarist, he played with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and other country groups before being drawn to Clovis by Norman Petty’s reputation as the genius behind Buddy Holly. Tommy became a staff musician for Petty, and he met Buddy in 1958 shortly after the Crickets returned from touring England.

Buddy heard Tommy’s work and said, “Tommy, I like what you have been doing. Would you hang around for our session?” Tommy agreed, and the resulting sessions produced Crickets’ recordings “Heartbeat” and “It’s So Easy!” Tommy also played lead guitar on the songs “Lonesome Tears,” “Loves Made a Fool of You” and “Wishing.”

When the Crickets went on tour later in 1958, Buddy asked Tommy to join. “Tommy, I can’t play that solo guitar break (for “It’s So Easy!”) like you do. Do you wanna come on the road with us?” Tommy agreed and said years later, “Buddy was a capable guitarist, and I expect he could have played it, but I sure wasn’t going to show him that lick!”

Tommy joined Buddy on three tours, including the tragic Winter Dance Party of 1959. He played lead and rhythm guitar and contributed backing harmonies.

Following Buddy’s death, Tommy worked with dozens of artists, including The Ventures, Roy Orbison and Willie Nelson. When he died at age 85 in 2017, he was the last surviving member of Buddy’s 1959 Winter Dance Party band.

The Aftermath

Though Buddy and the Crickets were always held in high esteem by British fans (including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones), it was not until the 1970s that the US public fully reembraced the music, influenced by Don McLean’s 1971 number one hit song, “American Pie,” and the 1978 hit movie, “The Buddy Holly Story.” The movie was praised for its musical score and Gary Busey’s Academy Award-nominated performance as Buddy Holly.

However, the movie created a lingering public misconception of the history of the Crickets. Aside from the depiction of mountains in Lubbock and other unfortunate inaccuracies, the original Crickets — Jerry  Allison, J.B. Mauldin and Nicki Sullivan—were never mentioned in the movie. Also ignored were Sonny Curtis and Don Guess, Gary and Ramona Tollett, The Picks, The Roses and Tommy Allsup, not to mention producer/manager Norman Petty.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Caprock Chronicles: Forgotten sounds behind Buddy Holly and the Crickets, part three: The Roses and Tommy Allsup

Recommended Stories

'little soundbar, big sound': this top-rated gem is down to $38 — save nearly 60%.

Whether you struggle with hard-to-hear dialogue or want more room-filling audio, here's your fix — and it's on mega-sale.

Why Google adding AI to its searches is a really big deal

The de facto gateway to the internet is undergoing a dramatic change that could have repercussions that ripple throughout the entire online ecosystem.

Hurricane season deal alert: Score two bright, water-resistant flashlights on sale for $6 each

These Goldilocks gizmos will keep you outage-ready, fans say: 'The size is just right, not too big or too small.'

MLB integrates Negro Leagues stats in historic move, Angel Hernandez retires, Craig Counsell returns

Jake Mintz is joined by Russell Dorsey to talk about the historic integration of Negro League stats into the Major League record book. Later, Jake is joined by Bailey Freeman to discuss Angel Hernandez retiring & Craig Counsell’s return to Milwaukee.

Stock market today: Dow leads stock market slide as rising Treasury yields rattle nerves

A spike in Treasury yields has unsettled investors already weighing whether recent data will shift the needle on interest rates.

The women in AI making a difference

To give AI-focused women academics and others their well-deserved -- and overdue -- time in the spotlight, TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews focusing on remarkable women who've contributed to the AI revolution. In a New York Times piece late last year, the Gray Lady broke down how the current boom in AI came to be -- highlighting many of the usual suspects like Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Larry Page. It began long before that, with academics, regulators, ethicists and hobbyists working tirelessly in relative obscurity to build the foundations for the AI and generative AI systems we have today.

French Open 2024: How to watch the Novak Djokovic vs. Roberto Carballés Baena match

It's time for the clay court Grand Slam at Roland Garros. Here's how to tune into Djokovic vs. Carballés Baena.

Mental health insurance platform ifeel raises a $20 million Series B

Mental health issues like stress, depression and anxiety can lead to work-related illnesses, absences and long-term sick leave. In total, ifeel has raised $40 million since its inception. Initially founded in 2017 as a consumer-focused therapy platform, ifeel pivoted to allow businesses to offer staff support during the pandemic and segued into being offered as part of an employer’s or insurance provider’s healthcare cover.

Here's what Yahoo's shopping editors snagged during Memorial Day sales (most deals are still live!)

Score up to 65% off everything from warm-weather fashion and beauty finds to Apple watches and air purifiers.

Limited-edition Audi RS4 gets more power and throwback Imola Yellow paint

Audi is celebrating 25 years of the RS4 Avant with a limited-edition model that gets more power and a specific design. The wagon is limited to 250 units.

American car show returning to Devon with 200 classic motors and fireworks

Visitors can see everything from Mustangs, Cadillacs and Chevrolets to Pontiacs, Buicks and Jeeps

• 05:00, 27 MAY 2024

Get our ultimate guide to things to do with DevonLive's FREE What's On newsletter

We have more newsletters

An American car show featuring more than 200 classic vehicles is returning to a Devon holiday park next month. Visitors can see cars including Mustangs, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Buicks and Jeeps

The event at Cofton Holidays near Dawlish is now in its seventh year and is billed as the biggest American car show in the South West. Organisers say it's built a reputation as a destination for motor enthusiasts as well as a being a day out for all the family.

The weekend event will see American car owners polishing up their pride and joy to show off to admirers. It will kick off with cars cruising through Dawlish, by the beach and back to Dawlish Warren Green so that passers-by can catch a glimpse of the rare and unusual motors.

Exeter water park and pools reopen to kick-start summer

Iconic 100ft attraction returns with incredible views of harbour

Petrol heads can enter their own American cars into categories including Best In Show, Director’s Cup, Best Custom/Hot Rod and The People’s Choice Award. There will also be street food vendors, a beer tent and a programme of entertainment including stilt walkers, bouncy castles, magicians and live music from Friday night until Sunday.

The music line-up will include toe-tapping tunes from Fabulous 59 Ford , Elvis tribute Adam Carter and timeless melodies from Buddy Holly tribute Brohan Collins. Local talents Nikita Louise and Rich Cottell will also take to the stage, alongside Britain’s Got Talent juggler Steve Arnold.

Dogs are welcome to attend, with the ‘Crofts’ dog show taking place on Saturday afternoon. The event will close with a firework display on Sunday night.

Visitors can stay at Cofton Holidays for the weekend or just visit the car show for the day. Day visitors can buy wristbands on the gate, which are £10 for adults and £5 for children and include access to the whole weekend's festivities. Admission is free for Cofton guests.

The Cofton Holidays American Car Show will take place from June 21-23. More information and prices can be found on the website .

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️

• Things to do in Devon
• Most Recent