CAN Buddy the musical really have been around for 25 years? Apparently yes, because this is the 25th anniversary tour and it’s as good as ever. Who can’t resist repeating The Sun’s review that “It’s still Buddy brilliant”?

Unlike some jukebox musicals, this one doesn’t attempt to weave a fictional story around the songs of Buddy Holly. The tragically short real-life story of the singer of songs such as That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Heartbeat and Raining In My Heart is dramatic enough without the need to embroider the facts.

His fame lasted barely two years before he died in a plane crash in 1959, but his musical legacy is a lasting one.

Writer Alan Janes packs it all into this musical about the singer with the trademark glasses, including his contribution to the birth of rock’n’roll, his entry into black music and his bust-up with backing group The Crickets.

Then, of course, there are the songs, hit after hit delivered with as much verve and vigour as you could wish for. Roger Rowley, sharing the role with Newcastle-born Glen Joseph, makes a brilliant Buddy, backed by a cast that know how to put on a great show.

  • Monday to March 1, Darlington Civic Theatre. Box office 01325-486555 and darlingtoncivic.co.uk
  • August 4-9, Newcastle Theatre Royal. Box office 0844- 112121 and theatreroyal.co.uk