Once again the charismatic Buddy Holly is in Bradford for the week and very welcome he is in Glen Joseph’s expert hands.
He plays the rock ‘n’ roller in this wildly-applauded show two acts at the city’s Alhambra Theatre, which is currently celebrating centenary.
Maybe having two acts is a clever ploy by the show’s writer Alan James, the first being as cautious as the second is electric.
Before the interval we were treated to a succession of fairly ordinary numbers, but the plot suddenly caught fire when the curtain went back up as our hero’s problems accumulated.
He ditched his patient supporters Jerry and Joe – backing group The Crickets – got married to secretary Maria Elena (Vivienne Smith) and was rescued by Hipockets Duncan (#Shaun Hennessy) and agile, close-fitted Richie Valens (Will Pearce) in endless dazzling hits, which had us on our feet.
No wonder Buddy is still with us!
Body follows Buddy Holly from his first recording contract through to his move to New York and concludes with his fatal tour of Midwest America with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
There are many of Buddy's greatest hits including That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On, Heartbeat and Raining In My Heart.
* Until Saturday, call 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk to book tickets.
John Pettitt
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article