Buddy, Manchester Opera House, January 14-25 - GUS MacGregor was a musician performing in clubs and pubs when he was plucked from obscurity to star in one of the West End's biggest hit shows.

MacGregor, aged 33, was chosen to appear as Buddy Holly in the popular stage show -- but there were one or two problems to overcome. The performer was not only untrained as an actor, but he did not like the music of Buddy Holly.

In fact, MacGregor was only persuaded to accept the starring role after being won over after he took up an invitation to watch the show.

That was about four years ago. Since then he has starred in the hit musical, Buddy, in the West End to rave reviews.

And, as MacGregor takes the show on the road, he reveals that the music of the legend he is portraying has finally won him over.

Buddy comes to Manchester's Opera House from January 14 to 25, with MacGregor heading a 21-strong cast of singers, actors and musicians.

The show celebrates the life of Buddy Holly, featuring some of his greatest hits, from Peggy Sue to That'll Be The Day. It follows his progress from enthusiastic unknown, through success to his tragic death in a plane crash in 1959.

MacGregor said: "I was not particularly a fan of Buddy's before doing this show -- but I am now. I have a lot of respect for him, particularly regarding his place in popular culture.

"The number of people he has since influenced is amazing and goes through from The Beatles to groups like Radiohead and U2.

"This is my first job in the theatre. I was not trained as an actor. I am a musician who was playing in bars and restaurants, writing my own stuff. I have enjoyed the switch in direction, but have not abandoned my music altogether."

The Bolton Evening News has three pairs of tickets for Buddy on January 14 to give away.

To enter the competition to win them, simply answer the question below and send your answers on a postcard with name, address and daytime phone number to: Beverly Greenberg, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE. Normal Bolton Evening News competition rules apply. Answers must arrive by January 11, 2003, at the latest.

Question: How did Buddy Holly die?