IT was on Wednesday, February 3, 1959, that a plane crash cut short the lives of rock 'n' roll legends Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.

The hit musical Heaven Can Wait, coming to Cheltenham next week, transports audiences back to that night to imagine that Buddy, Richie and The Big Bopper paused a while in a strange half-way world before taking their final steps to heaven.

They find themselves and each other in The Celestial Bar, hosted by the mysterious Stella, and decide Heaven Can Wait while there's still some rockin' and a-rollin' to be done.

And down on their earthly seats, the audience will be a-clappin' and a-tappin' to the hits like Peggy Sue, La Bamba, C'mon Everybody, That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy and more.

The cast is made up of experienced actors and musicians.

Antony Fletcher, an actor, musician and drama teacher from South London, is taking on the role of Buddy Holly. He plays guitar and sings with a couple of bands, including The Heepadermic Noodles. He is looking forward to his first visit to Cheltenham, where he comes as part of a national tour. He was understudy for other parts in the production last year and this year has taken on the star role.

"I have been a fan of Buddy Holly since I was a kid," he said. "When you come to play the guitar, his songs are simple but sound really good so I got to know his music early on."

He is of a similar build and look to Buddy but getting a grip of that distinctive voice was harder work. "His voice is so exceptional that it's very hard to be that good," he said. "In the end you have to do it your own way so that you're comfortable with it."

"On the acting side of it, it's easier because there's not very much footage of Buddy Holly so people don't know what he's really like and accept your version."

So what can audiences expect?

"People come for the music primarily," said Antony. "But it is a real play - an emotional journey for the characters. There are highs and lows, which is a nice release for the audience so they can relax - and often by the end they're dancing in the aisles!"

Heaven Can Wait runs at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham from Tuesday, May 27 to May 31. For tickets and details, call the box office on 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk

l ANOTHER music show described as 'a rollercoaster ride of non-stop music and comedy' is coming to Cheltenham next week.

Hold Tight It's 60s Night is bringing more than 35 of the greatest hits of the era to the Town Hall on Thursday.

Music from The Beatles, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, the Moody Blues, Otis Redding and Ike and Tina Turner will be included in the show, which has a cast of ten singers and musicians.

Call 01242 227979 for tickets.