Fiddler on the Roof

Published Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 12:50 by Chris High

“I love the film,” remarked one lady to her friend prior to the show. “Even if it is a bit bleak.”

Everyone’s a critic, but what’s clear from the off is that director Julian Woolford, has clearly set about displacing the bleakness by injecting colour and a certain vibrancy. The set, though simple, is enhanced beautifully with a multi-mood changing array of lighting that accentuates perfectly the action taking place, and adds a vigour to the piece that might otherwise be lacking.

From the opening number, Tradition, this production of Fiddler on the Roof effortlessly transports the audience back to pre-revolution Russia where a lowly milkman dreams of being rich, while all around him the world is shifting. Liverpool’s own Joe McGann, playing Tevye, has given the milkman a certain manner that is instantly engaging and the delivery of his many witticisms is all but perfect.

McGann’s singing voice may drift a little occasionally but, on the whole, this is as good a Tevye as anyone is likely to have seen.

Excellent, too, are Carrie Ellis whose role of Mother is carried off with great style, as are those of the daughter’s played by Jessica Punch, Katie Lovell and Martine McMenemy. Never once do they waver in their emotion and never once do they become overtly stereotypical which, in a play centred on preconception, is no mean achievement.

With great songs such as Rich Man, Matchmaker and To Life, superb choreography and a closing scene that will set the whole audience thinking, Fiddler On The Roof is a superb - if lighter - working of an old favourite, that is sure to captivate throughout.