Review: BUDDY, Belgrade Coventry, 12 October 2016

It seems as though every popular musician has been the subject of a jukebox musical, so it's not surprising that the story of Buddy Holly has been explored in Buddy. Touring the UK and seen at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, this musical follows passionate, impulsive Buddy on his struggle to break free of country music and make his name as a rock and roll star, concluding with his early death in a plane crash - the day the music died.

The story begins when Buddy Holly and The Crickets are offered their first recording contract, with country label Decca. After a disastrous recording session, in which the group are forced to change their rocking style to a more conservative country sound, Buddy's career seems over before it has begun. However, when he meets Norman Petty, the band embark on an amazing recording session, developing their distinctive swinging style. Success comes quickly; indeed the first act is packed with so many number one hits and rapturous audiences that the story becomes tedious.

Interest builds in the second act. Following a whirlwind romance, Buddy is married - but his focus on romance and commercial success causes a rift with The Crickets, and he's forced to pursue a solo career. He joins the Winter Dance Party, a bus tour with big-name stars, such as The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, bringing rock and roll to the masses. Desperate to escape freezing-cold travel conditions, these three singers board an ill-fated plane journey.

First performed in 1989, Buddy is starting to show its age. This traditional tale of rock and roll success is staged in a similarly traditional, pedestrian style, which feels very dated. Ponderous scene changes, with trucks wheeled on through sliding doors, are clunky. Scenes which should be exciting, such as The Crickets' groundbreaking first sessions with Norman Petty, become tedious due to constant blackouts and repetitive sequences.

This performance is plagued throughout by poor sound quality; the balance of the microphones never seems quite right, particularly during early scenes which involve shouted dialogue. The sound improves during musical numbers, although it's often difficult to pick out the higher harmonies.

The direction too feels stilted and outdated, leading to stereotyped interpretations. All too often, the action is too placed and pre-planned, with the actors clearly all waiting for a certain cue to sit down or laugh, for example. An early fight scene between Buddy and the Decca producer feels more like a well-rehearsed routine rather than a spontaneous outburst of rage.

The most positive element of Buddy is the musical performances of the cast. Alex Fobbester gives a brilliant vocal performance as Buddy Holly, incorporating the singer's distinctive hiccuping style. Joe Butcher as Joe B Maudlin and Josh Haberfield give brilliant supporting performances, contributing The Crickets' close-harmony backing vocals and playing with style and panache.

As the inspiration for so many rock and roll legends, the story of Buddy Holly deserves a more intelligent, thought-provoking interpretation. Whilst his death is given a sensitive and emotional portrayal, Buddy does not explore the impetus that drives him to pursue a rock and roll career, or tell us how he transitioned from country to rock music. Also, for a musical that addresses racial prejudice, it is very odd that Buddy does not cast black actors as the Harlem Apollo performers - a scene which hinges on race relations.

Fans will certainly find much to enjoy in Buddy, which showcases all of the greatest hits from "That'll Be The Day" to "Rave On", all performed with great skill. However, overall Buddy requires intelligent reinterpretation and a faster pace to create the excitement and legacy that Buddy Holly's story deserves.

Buddy is at the Belgrade Coventry until Saturday 15 October.

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