Fiddler On The Roof Review: Tradition Never Sounded So Good

Manchester’s palace theatre is playing host to the west-end sell out for a very limited time bringing the traditional tale of love, honour and religion.

I’ve never seen Fiddler, and I was not aware of the story – so walking in blind was a nice feeling. This show is seemingly a very important piece of theatre. Challenging the themes that are not demonstrated as much on stage anymore. Tradition against change, love and family against community and exile, and all that mixed with a devotion to faith so strong that lines can become blurred. It was very interesting to watch.

One thing that needs noting is just how great the set is. The curtain started down but once it lifted, I was caught by surprise. To have a field seemingly acting as a roof was fantastic and I loved the concept. There was such a rustic feel to everything that I felt plunged back in time!

On to the performances, normally I start with the lead, but not this time – however, he is almost a lead – Raphael Papo, The Fiddler. What a talent. Throughout the whole show, all the dancing and songs, his playing was exceptional. I was amazed every time he played and it was exquisite, a real talent!

Now the leading man, Tevye, played by Matthew Woodyatt. This character seems so difficult to play. There is so much depth to it, with humour mixed in with raw emotion of an ever-changing world in the battle of changing traditions but Woodyatt did not disappoint. He was exemplary in his manner and the way he approached is conversation with God, but technically the audience and he had everyone on side from the first minute – and his marquee song ‘If I Were a Rich Man’, well who doesn’t love that! Bravo.

Then the daughters. Natasha Jules Bernard (Tzeitel), Hannah Bristow (Chava) and Georgia Bruce (Hodel). All three of these girls have very different routes and stories but every single one carried their own story with such grace and poise. They had a great rapport with each other and you could feel how close they were. They were also matched by their suiters extremely well, Greg Bernstein, Dan Wolff and Toby Turpin. Fantastic relationships and fantastic performances all round.

More than half a century after its debut, Fiddler on the Roof still hits home. Tradition may wobble, but this production stands firm — rich in humour, heart, and humanity. Tickets are stil available but not for long so don’t miss out. Head over to https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fiddler-on-the-roof/palace-theatre-manchester/