Musicians : Dean Elliott, Martin Riley, Ben Kypreos, Gez Gerrard, Leon Camfield

Reviewer: Linda Hutton

The Public Reviews Rating:

 

A jukebox is a coin-operated, music-playing device that will play a selection of favourite records from one or more artists by the push of a button. Buddy Holly and The Cricketers unquestionably pushed all the right buttons at the Assembly Hall, Worthing to a delighted audience.

From their first appearance in November 1992 at the Lincoln Theatre Royal more than 30 accomplished actor-musicians have performed with the group. The show has toured the USA, Europe, the Middle and Far East and guested on Good Morning Britain and Richard and Judy. Currently being led by Dean Elliott, who played the lead in Buddy in the West End for more than 400 shows and performed in Buddy Holly’s home town of Lubbock, Texas, winning praise from members of the star’s family for his authentic portrayal, the current line-up is as strong as ever. Numerous charities have also benefited from performances of the show such as Cancer Research, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and SPARKS.

Opening the show with That’ll Be The Day, The Cricketers consisting of Martin Riley, Ben Kypreos, Gez Gerrard and Leon Camfield with his dressed down Friday look, bring exuberance and humour to the stage. The audience willingly join in with the clicking and singing to Every Day and are introduced to the ‘Texan Whoop’ as a way of showing appreciation. The group worked hard to interact with every one at the Assemby Hall and certainly showcased Buddy’s music with Rave On, True Love Ways, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Maybe Baby.

Included in the show are songs by the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, all of whom were credited with influencing Buddy’s music. Also illustrating Buddy’s impact on groups that followed him, the Beatles I Saw Her Standing There is in the second half. During Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On a microphone taking on a life of its own did nothing to distract the talented keyboard playing from Riley and provided the wacky Camfield with an amusing improvisation.

All fans of the sounds of the 1950s will enjoy this show and, as billed, it certainly had the audience dancing in the aisles.

 

Runs until : the show is currently on tour across the UK until 30th November 2012

 

Tags: Ben Kypreos, Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, Dean Elliott, Gez Gerrard, Leon Camfield, Live Music, Martin Riley, Rock 'n' Roll Jukebox, Show, Worthing Assembly Hall