Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story rolled into Portsmouth’s Kings Theatre with energy, charm, and a clear love for the music that defined a generation. This latest UK tour proves why the show has remained a crowd-pleaser for decades — blending live music, strong performances, and a touch of nostalgia into an entertaining tribute to a true rock ’n’ roll pioneer. While the storyline keeps things simple, the cast’s musicianship and the infectious spirit of Buddy’s biggest hits more than carry the night.

At its heart, Buddy is a musical celebration rather than a deep biopic. It follows Holly’s meteoric rise from a country-western upstart in Lubbock, Texas, to a rock ‘n’ roll star with hits like That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, and Oh Boy. The show traces his career over just two years, ending with the fateful 1959 plane crash that also claimed Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. While the script only skims the surface of Buddy’s personal and creative struggles, it wisely leans primarily into what the audience has come for: the music. And the music is excellent. The cast performs every number live, playing their own instruments on stage — a huge part of what makes the show feel so alive. AJ Jenks (as Buddy) is a standout, not only musically convincing but bringing a grounded charm and drive that gives the character emotional weight.

The supporting cast brings plenty of colour and charisma, particularly Miguel Angel as Ritchie Valens, who earns one of the night’s biggest reactions with a playful, high-energy rendition of La Bamba. Christopher Chandler’s Big Bopper is a crowd-pleaser too, especially with his booming Chantilly Lace. The second act concert set — recreating the “Winter Dance Party” tour — is where the show hits its peak. For a good 30 minutes, the musical turns into a full-blown 1950s gig. By this point, any earlier story concerns fade away, and the audience is clapping, swaying, and even singing along. The live band energy is palpable, and the Kings Theatre crowd clearly loved every moment of it.

The production design is relatively modest, but effective. Period costumes, clever lighting, and smooth scene transitions do enough to keep things visually interesting without pulling focus from the music. The Kings Theatre stage suits the show’s scale well — intimate enough to feel connected to the performers, big enough for the louder, concert-style numbers to land with impact. Some transitions in the first act feel abrupt, and a few scenes rely more on exposition than drama. But the show moves briskly, and the payoff — an emotional finale capped with a rousing encore — is worth the ride.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story doesn’t aim to reinvent the jukebox musical — it stays true to the classic format and lets the music do the heavy lifting. But when the music is this good, and performed with this much energy and sincerity, it’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a die-hard Buddy fan or just in the mood for an uplifting night at the theatre, this Portsmouth stop on the UK tour delivers a rocking good time that proves Buddy Holly’s legacy is still very much alive.

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Callum Hurst