Kings Theatre Portsmouth – until 11 October 2025
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
4****
Having grown up knowing very little of Buddy Holly, it was a delight to be thrust into his music and determination for the evening. I went into the show, thinking ‘I’m not going to know many of these hits’-however I was quickly proved wrong!
The Buddy Holly Story is exactly that-the story of Buddy Holly. His rise to fame, his grit and determination to sing how he wanted and his untimely death at only 22 years of age. AJ Jenks was cast as the titular Buddy, and my did he do a sterling job! He was quirky, enigmatic and entrancing with every step, song and strum of his guitar! The fact that he was dancing around, singing and playing, whilst keeping the audience encapsulated was absolutely enthralling. Alongside his other friends ‘the crickets’ Melker Nilsson, Stephen Alexander-Kerry and Joe Sterling as Joe B Maudlin, Jerry Allison and Nikki Sullivan, this quartet was a real treat. The bassist in particular had me smiling from ear to ear with his smooth operation of the double bass.
My stand out star of this performance however, was Miguel Angel as ‘Ritchie Valens’. His wit, humour, charm and beautiful voice were the perfect amalgamation for his performance of ‘Reet Petite’- which had everyone dancing and singing along. There was not a moment when he was on stage when I was transfixed to his physicality and palpable smile.
This was a masterpiece and I am always thrilled when I discover a new show that I can shout about-and boy, will I be shouting! I truly loved this show, even down to the tiniest details such as colours of a character’s socks – I was truly in awe with the meticulous performance. This really is a story that needs to heard-don’t just listen to my ‘words of love’!