IT'S THE enduring tale of the meteoric rise to fame of a musical icon.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story returns to Mayflower Theatre next week shortly after what would have been the legend's 80th birthday.

Audiences can enjoy the recreation of 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 revolutionised the face of contemporary music influencing everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.

The production boasts a phenomenally multi-talented cast including Glen Joseph and Alex Fobbester who alternate the role of Buddy Holly.

Alex told the Daily Echo: "It's the same Buddy experience you've always loved whether it was in 89 94 or 08 when you came to see the show. It's a brilliant rock n roll show with hit after hit.

"We have people dancing in the aisles and up rocking and then we know we've done our job!

"He had such a charismatic personality and was so magnetic a person and so talented a musician.

"The more I've learned about him, the more it's blown my mind - a one man musical revolution with his specs and his Strato, inspiring The Stones, Dylan and The Beatles. He's left such a lasting legacy in music and this show is all about celebrating that. It's so infectious."

Expect two terrific hours of music with over 20 of Buddy Holly's greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On.

With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is not to be missed.

Seen by over 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy has toured globally.

Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, says of the show: “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 over 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 – The Buddy Holly Story runs from Wednesday to Saturday.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.