Preview: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at Newcastle Theatre Royal

BUDDY COMES TO NEWCASTLE ON

25^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

The first and original juke-box musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal in August as a major date on its 25^th year anniversary tour.  Oh Boy, don’t miss it! 4 – 9 August 2014

Seen by over 22 million people worldwide since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, and widely regarded as the ‘most successful rock & roll show of all-time’, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences of all ages rockin’ in the aisles across the globe.

The show that inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals including Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You – but it remains the true original and a musical phenomenon.

Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In 18 short months the Texas-born boy revolutionized the face of contemporary music influencing everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.

Boasting a phenomenally multi-talented cast, together they present two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics Oh Boy, That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, and Rave On.  The show completes a stellar musical line-up with the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba.

Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, says of the show’s latest milestone: “When we opened the show we never imagined Buddy’s music and story would still be rocking stages and entertaining audiences around the world week-in week-out 25 years later. I believe this is testament to a great show – the first of its kind – and to the enduring appeal of Buddy Holly and what he represents; a youthful energy, huge talent and creativity, combined with a determination to make a lasting impression in this world. Buddy was certainly a one-off, as the show demonstrates. It’s incredible to witness subsequent generations getting carried away in Buddy’s music - proof that his spirit lives on through all of us. Buddy is one of those shows that an audience trusts; and once someone has bought their ticket they know they are in for a fantastic night out.”

10 Amazing facts about the first 25 year of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story:

1. In total, our Buddy Hollys have sung 17 songs 259,671 times
   185,000 guitar strings have been replaced (92 miles) and over 203,000 plectrums used
2. Over 3,250 pairs of trousers have had to be replaced – due to Buddy knee-sliding across stages throughout the world – and 400 pairs of glasses
   
3. Over 33 tons of Persil has been used by our Wardrobe Masters and Mistresses, as well as more than 2,275 gallons of fabric conditioner
   
4. 145,000 feet (27.46 miles) of guitar cable has been used and 2,829,214 radio mic batteries replaced
   
5. The trucks that are used to transport the show from venue to venue have now travelled approximately five-and-three-quarter times around the world!
   
6. Over 3.3 million programmes have been sold
   
7. The performers have drunk over 102,000 gallons of bottled water. The beer intake has never been monitored!
   
8. Since Buddy first began there have been 24 actors playing the title role of Buddy in the West End, on tour and on Broadway
   
9. The Cast album has received a Gold Disc and is ‘Buddy’ close to reaching Platinum!
10. Throughout the world ten couples have met and married while working in the company and there have been 20 Buddy babies!

On The Web

Website: www.buddythemusical.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/buddythemusical

Twitter: https://twitter.com/buddythemusical

Ticket details:

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 4 – Sat 9 August 2014 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm).

Tickets are from £12.00 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most tickets) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk