Sheffield Telegraph, November 23rd 2007
Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society is celebrating its 100th production by staging The Buddy Holly Story but don't expect a sweeping biopic in which we see Buddy as a prodigiously talented but eccentric misfit repelling jibes from schoolmates whilst growing up in Texas, or rebelling against a conservative father afraid of the subversive temptations of rock 'n roll.
Or enduring unrequited love for Peggy Sue and finding sanctuary in his guitar.
Buddy Holly's songs are just so good, and when they are performed as confidently and skilfully as they are in this production, any framing narrative is superfluous.
Backed up by a band that is as tight as a kite on a wind day, main man Andrew Morley visibly grew in stature as the play progressed.
For someone who has never previously acted in front of any audience his courage and composure is impressive.
He garbles a few lines but he communicates the natural charm and self-belief of Buddy Holly and, most importantly, rocks like him.
One of the few moments of drama, in which he comforts his young wife (played by Laura Radcliffe) with a song after she prophesies his early death, is particularly touching.
This is, however, a real ensemble piece. Every member of the cast is given a moment under the spotlight and most grab it with both hands.
Unfortunately, there were set changes in the first half that conspired to disturb the flow of the overall performance and need to be identified to provide a more polished spectacle.
No matter. This is great entertainment. If the sight of ten 50-something backing singers dressed in bright purple and doing the jive to Johnny B Good doesn't make you smile, see a doctor.
(Tom Seymour)
The Star, Wednesday November 21st, 2007
Director Sue McCormick has assembled some fine musical talent for Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society's 100th Production.
Buddy Holly and his Crickets, Joe and Jerry happily please their Country and Western, god fearing, red neck audience on local radio. Buddy rebels, however, and plays rock and roll live on air. Surprisingly, this secures him a record deal with a Country and Western label.
Things don't work out but Norman Petty a canny producer sets them on the road to stardom.
There are interesting scenes during Buddy's rapid rise to stardom before his inevitable demise. We learn that the smash hit record "Peggy Sue" was changed from Cindy Lou to please Jerry's girlfriend and future wife.
We see the stereotypical rock and roll life leading to boredom and boozing.
The costumes are good and the choreography excellent. Unfortunately the storyline was thin and the acting was often poor. Adam Walker as the Big Bopper, Steve Mather as Norman Petty and Laura Radcliffe as Buddy's wife Maria Elena were solid however.
The tunes are great and instantly likeable but I felt as though I had been to a Buddy Holly tribute band. The great man deserved better.
(Stephen Grigg)