Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story! Review

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Edinburgh Festival review
Rating (out of 5)
3
Show info
Company
Viva Touring
Production
Dan Schumann/David Tickner (directors), Angela Bocking (musical director), Jennie Roberts/Karen Revill (choreography)
Performers
Simon Thomson (Buddy), Ralph Watts (Joe B. Maudlin), Oliver Ellerton (Jerry Allison)
Running time
90mins

"Buddy" was received as well last night as rock 'n' roll was by teenagers back in the
1950's.

Simon Thomson is a sensational Buddy Holly in the title role and is
well supported by the Crickets played by Oliver Ellerton, Ralph Watts and later
Ryan Aves.

The venue rocked, some older people rolled and if you want to hear a
first class tribute band then this is for you.

Ashley Gilmour as Richie Valens
and Matt Bullen as the big bopper emulate Simon with the moves to go with the music.
The girls have supporting roles but perform well on a very tight stage.

Billed
as "the Buddy Holly Story", the storyline is very thin and the show is one-dimensional with short scenes mainly in a radio station, recording studio and
a bit in Harlem adds a little social commentary to what is
basically a concert with some narration and dialogue.

Having seen Viva at last
year's Fringe with  ‘a Slice of Saturday
night' I would have preferred a show that  had a bit more acting with roles for the girls
as well as the lads. Don't get
me wrong - the audience loved this and the numbers are performed well.

Times:
9-13 Aug,
4.40pm
14,15 Aug,
12.30pm