Verdict: Three stars.

WHEN a superstar is taken from the world while they are still in their prime, their story is one that needs to be told – especially when that icon is Buddy Holly.

The singer was a rarity amongst his contemporaries and his sound helped drive forward the rock’n’roll movement with hits including That’ll Be The Day.

That’s why Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story aims to pay tribute to the star by telling his story through musical theatre.

The show, which is at the King’s Theatre until Saturday, kicks off in Texas where a young Buddy attempts to make his mark in his music.

The only problem is – everyone wants him to sing country.

But with the help of his backing band The Crickets, he breaks free from expectation to suddenly become the biggest rock’n’roll act in the country.

The production focuses on the rise to fame, and opens with some of the biggest hits in rock’n’roll history including Everyday which captured the audience’s attention with everyone singing along.

Part two delves more into the story more and introduces the character Maria, who the singer marries. This love element to the story helps humanise the character Buddy more and makes him more relatable to the audience.

Other key characters who come into the second half include Latino rock’n’roll star Richie Valens who died in the same plane crash as Holly.

For fans of musical theatre, this show is more of a musical tribute to the star. People who love Buddy Holly’s music will enjoy the chance to see those hits performed to a high standard. Glen Johnson is brilliant as the star and oozes charisma on stage. 

Musical theatre fans, however, may be left feeling disappointed as the story is lacking narrative. Buddy’s mother comes into the story but it is always through phone calls, and you have to ask, wouldn’t it have been easier to have her as character?

Part of the story also shows his wife Maria having a premonition about his death – but that is not explored again. Then when he does die, the curtain drops and it is a simple announcement.

You don’t see Maria’s reaction and you are left wondering what happened to their baby.

If you want to enjoy the music of Buddy then you will love this show, but if you want to know more about the star…you may find that you have to turn to the internet search engine Google.

Catch Buddy at The King’s Theatre until Saturday, April 8.