Fiddler on The Roof at Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
As part of a Nationwide tour, the multi award winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof this week has landed at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall until Saturday.
Directed by Jerome Robbins and based on the book, written by Joseph Stein in 1958 and inspired by stories read to him as child is set in pre WW1 Russia in a Jewish community town called Anatevka. The story focuses on dairy farmer Tevye, played by Matthew Woodyatt, his wife Golde played by Jodie Jacobs and their five daughters.
Tradition is a huge part of the community and this is a theme that runs throughout. The patriarchy rules, and this is a time when the parent (mainly the father) arranges the marriage and the bride’s parents provide a dowry. Beverley Klein plays Yente the matchmaker who lines up prospective husbands for the girls.
However times are changing and there is a shift that rocks the community to its core. As each of the daughters rebel against the choices made for them and decides to marry for love, rather than money or security, this threatens tradition. Woodyatt plays his part with humour, warmth and depth with his monologues to God at times poignant and reflective. He navigates the changes and shifting tides of history with love and pathos. Jacobs plays Golde with wit and tenderness and the couple’s duet of “Do you love me” is a highlight.
Fiddler on the Roof is filled with unforgettable songs that have become classics of musical theatre. Tevye’s comic yet heartfelt “If I Were a Rich Man” remains a crowd favourite, while “Tradition” sets the tone for the entire show with its rousing energy. The tender “Sunrise, Sunset” captures the bittersweet passage of time, and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” brings charm and humour through the daughters’ voices. Each number is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making the score one of musical theatre’s most enduring.
The orchestra, who sit to the back of the stage, are phenomenal, led by musical director Livi van Warmerie. Featuring flute, piccolo, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, cello and accordion to name just a few provides a rich and full backdrop to the singing. Choreography by Julia Cheng is drawn from folk dance that is enthusiastic and joyful.
The stage design by Tim Blazdell is atmospheric with a traditional straw roof occasionally featuring The Fiddler played by Raphael Papo, who also intertwines with the drama effectively. Wooden beams and basic functional props suggest the warmth of home combined with the fragility of life. The lighting by Aideen Malone shifts the mood to support the drama that grounds he narrative and accentuates the plot.
This production is exquisite in so many ways and I was captivated throughout. The first half runs for 90 minutes which goes by in a flash as there is so much to entertain. The story is as relevant today as it was when first shown almost 60 years ago with the timeless themes of family and love, displacement and persecution, combined with resilience and hope. Don’t miss it!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £26 (booking fees may apply).
Fiddler on the Roof is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 23 August. For more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND