Central London Activities

Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA


Almost 50 years ago, the man who changed the face of popular music tragically died in a plane crash aged 22. Now, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story tells the story of the three years in which he became the world’s top recording artist with a show that features over 20 of Buddy Holly's greatest hits including Peggy Sue, That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Not Fade Away, Rave On, Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba, and the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace.

With a phenomenally talented cast of actor-musicians playing the music live on stage, Buddy has been seen by over 20 million people around the world, where the magical talents of Charles Hardin ‘Buddy’ Holly will time-tunnel you back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, when ‘doo-wops’ and ‘ah hey, ah hey, heys’ rang out from every jukebox!

Whether you experienced this exciting period of musical history firsthand or weren’t even born yet, you won’t want to miss the electrifying party that is Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story!

Critic's choice

It’s buddy brilliant.

39 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JS

There are times when the Palm Court Brasserie feels just perfect. Let's give you some quick examples - lunch with a co-worker, after-work drinks and nibbles with a mate, a quick bite before a film or play, and that end of playtime flop. We'd like to go on, but you probably get the picture...

Like us, you'll love the charming decor, Mediterranean murals and super slick service. All this adds up to some effortless eating and a reserved place on your "top ten reliable favourites" list. You just have to relax as you sink into the comfy upholstered banquettes, or flop into the cushioned rattan chairs. The subdued lighting, classic decor and potted palms conspire to shut out the mad, crazy world outside.

For great eats, you could try the bruschetta or moules mariniere starters. For mains, you'd do well with the chicken Dijonnaise or lobster and tiger prawn ravioli. But you can't chose badly actually...Even if you were just sticking a pin in the menu with your eyes closed.

Staff pick

Palm Court Brasserie is a great place to head before or after a show. Located in King Street, one of the most attractive streets in Covent Garden, and leading directly into the piazza and St Paul's Church - the setting for the opening scene of My Fair Lady - Palm Court is modern and young in feel, with a youthful and helpful staff. There's an a la carte menu, which is very reasonably priced, but they also have a pre and post theatre menu that's extremely good value. We started with baked camembert and a chicken liver paté with foie gras parfait, onion and pit nuts, with, for our main courses, sea bass with cherry tomatoes and black olives and a braised lamb shank with sweet potato mash. We skipped the desserts as it was the end of a very long evening but the Palm Court does a mouth-watering selection. We drank a vodka martin (excellent) and dry sherry (ditto) followed by a bottle of Shiraz, which was first-rate, and a couple of quick cappuccinos.

Essential information

• Nearest station: Covent Garden
• Please contact the venue directly for information about disables access