Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 8th July 2023
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
This feel-good musical returns to the Sheffield Lyceum on its current UK tour. The multi award-winning West End show, has been on the go for the last 34 years and has proved to entertain audiences consistently throughout, with a total of 10,490 UK performances! Like Buddy Hollys songs, this production has shown great staying power and when you are lucky enough to sit through this beauty, it is no surprise why.
You are taken on a journey through the years of Buddy Hollys short life, starting right at the beginning with his Texas rockabilly days. We see how he catapults quickly into fame and success due to his incredible talent and dedication. The key moments that sent his career into such a ripping success, are all marked out on the stage for us to see. Including the comical first entrance onto the Apollo stage.
Don’t expect too much drama or even anything gripping, as due to his such short years with his life ending at 22, there wasn’t much to report! This is more of a concert feeling show and is a showcase of his wonderful songs. But do expect lots of superb music, jaw dropping guitar, bass, drums and saxophone playing. The band really does make this production what it is, from Christopher Weeks playing his guitar behind his head for a minute or so impeccable at the end, to just how perfect the rest of the musicians are. Great chemistry and charisma from all the musicians, a special mention to the bass player (Joe Butcher) for his stage presence, he’s quite the star.
Christopher Weeks is perfectly cast as Buddy and looks like he is having the time of his life on the stage. His energy and accuracy of Buddys charming and sweet character and voice are so well-matched. What a talent. Laura-Dene Perryman really stood out as a bit of a star of the show, and it was hard to take your eyes off her with how well she was performing. Such a fantastic voice in her part of the duet of ‘Shout’.
The story also covers the other musicians that lost their lives on that awful day, in the form of The Big Bopper (Christopher Chandler) and Ritchie Valens (Miguel Angel). These both handle their solo numbers with gust and what energy they brought to the auditorium, especially with La Bamba – the audience went wild.
Whether you are a Buddy fan or not, it is almost impossible to not tap your feet to these super catchy, popular masterpieces. A real uplifting (albeit sad) musical with some special moments, by an enormously talented cast.