PLAYING a music legend at the age of 22 is not easy but then Buddy Holly was just that age when he was tragically killed. Being true to Holly is what is important for Elliot Harper, the 22-year-old chosen to play the singer in Buddy The Buddy Holly St

PLAYING a music legend at the age of 22 is not easy - but then Buddy Holly was just that age when he was tragically killed. Being true to Holly is what is important for Elliot Harper, the 22-year-old chosen to play the singer in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story is the multi-award winning musical celebration of the life and tragic death of Buddy Holly. Elliot, who has already starred on the stage and screen, says playing the part of Buddy has turned him into a life-long fan. "I wasn't a fan before, but this has certainly made me into one. "I was aware of his music as the first thing you learn when playing the guitar is a Buddy Holly song." So it's not just acting for Elliot - he also has to sing and play the guitar like the man himself, too. He said: "I had to learn to sing like Buddy. It was important to be true to the man himself, but to give my own interpretation. "Obviously, the voice inflections and sound of his voice was a difficult thing to learn, and I really had to shape up on the guitar too. "But I keep having to pinch myself that I'm actually doing this. I have a lot of respect for the production team to have a 22-year-old play the role, but it's really great to have someone so young, as Buddy himself was only 22 when he died." The show has even been given the nod of approval from Buddy's widow, Maria Elena Holly. Elliot said: "It was pretty amazing to meet her, she was an absolute inspiration and she said she loved the show. "She told us lots of funny stories and things you just wouldn't get from a book, but we found that we already knew them as they feature in the show. I think that's a huge credit to the writers that they've managed to capture them so well." Elliot is hoping that this role will help further his career. "I'd love to do some straight theatre, and I'm hoping this will be the beginning for me." But despite playing a musical legend and performing to screaming and singing fans, Elliot laughed at the thought of becoming a pop star. That'll be the day. - You can see Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at the Cambridge Corn Exchange from Monday, March 20 to Saturday, March 25. For more details or to book tickets, call the Box Office on 01223 357851.