Review by Sam Abercromby

From the very start of this musical we were completely immersed in the world of Buddy Holly, one of the great pioneers of rock'n'roll.

We were taken on a whirlwind journey from his humble start in Lubbock, Texas, playing country music, to international success as a rock'n'roll star, through to his eventual tragedy.

What really strikes you is the slickness and energy of the whole performance.

Sets slide in and acts merge together in such a way that you feel that you are watching a television show from the Fifties, or even one of Buddy’s live shows.

The comperes banter with the audience and invite you to clap your hands and get singing.

The settings, clothes and even accents are completely convincing and draw you back to a golden age.

The music was spot on and Buddy, played by Gus MacGregor, was fantastic as the headstrong "My music, my way" Texan.

He stormed through hits such as Rave On and Peggy Sue with vigour and style, supported by an outstanding group of musicians.

The cast really gave it everything and there was not one dull moment.

I had a permanent grin on my face and judging by the way the toe-tapping was shaking the floor I don’t think I was alone.

During the performance rock'n'roll was called a disease - if it was, most of the audience were certainly infected!

Throughout the show we really felt like we were part of the story and when Oh Boy was played, everyone stood up and started dancing.

I think the whole show was summed up nicely by a lady beside me who said: "Well, I’ve never left the theatre singing before!"

Buddy may be gone but his music is definitely here to stay.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story runs at The Oxford until Saturday February 22.