GRAB your dancing shoes and join in the fun of the swinging fifties in this musical extravaganza.

Having read the rave reviews about the musical after the Birmingham tour in 2003, I was sceptical as to whether the show would live up to expectations, but Buddy delivered a whole lot more.

The musical tells the story of rock 'n' roll pioneer Holly's life (Elliot Harper) and tragic death at the age of 22 in a plane crash in 1959. It is cleverly interwoven with many of his well-known hits including Peggy Sue, That'll be the Day, True Love Ways and Oh Boy.

Although slow moving in the first half, the show picked up pace as it told the story of Holly's transition from Buddy Holly and the Crickets to becoming a solo performer with notable performers Ritchie Valens (Ritchie Glowacki) and J. P Richardson (William Kenning).

This is where the show largely focuses on Holly's musical achievements when he is playing in Clear Lake, Iowa. Of particular note is Kenning's four-minute cameo as The Big Bopper performing Chantilly Lace which brought a smile to everyone's face.

The show comes to an abrupt end, however, and although Holly's death is referred to, it seems glossed over.

For those who know little about the star's life it might have helped to go into more detail. It may, however, have been to the detriment of the feel-good musical which left the audience, clapping and singing in their seats and begging for more as the curtain fell.

LH