It’s amazing to think that in 18 short months of fame, Buddy Holly succeeded in revolutionising the path of rock n roll with artists including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan acknowledging his influence.

Even Don McClean, in paying tribute to his untimely death at the age of 22 as ‘the day the music died’ could not predict the phenomenon that ensured his music certainly didn’t die.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, written and produced by Alan Janes, is now in its 25th year and remains essentially a celebration of the life of Buddy Holly. A cast of talented actors and musicians re-create the iconic sound live, and to be honest from the moment they appear on stage through to the final encore, it’s impossible not to be mesmerised by their capabilities.

Roger Rowley perfectly characterised Buddy, vocally spot-on and very ably supported by Adam Flynn and Scott Haining as the Crickets. Raw and live, it was apparent just why hits like That’ll Be the Day, Rave On, Oh Boy and Peggy Sue had the impact that they did on a 1950s audience.

Backing artists Jason Blackwater (The Big Bopper) and Will Pearce (Ritchie Valens) both excelled in keeping the audience eager, and Lydia Fraser demonstrated a fine set of lungs with the show-stealing, Shout.

I’m certain that this high-energy, powerful and charismatic musical is still attracting new fans to the music...and long may it do so.

This production runs until Saturday