Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof
Regents Park Open Air Theatre

“An emotional journey of pure entertainment”

I remember the original film way back in 1972 and having been lucky to play Motel twice, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ has a special place in my heart. So would this Regents Park open air theatre live up to my expectations? With original music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof was set in a settlement Called Anatevka in Imperial Russia around 1905.

So to this production directed by Jordan Fein. With a beautiful open air theatre backdrop lined with trees and a stunning well designed stage it was looking like it will be good. The lighting design by Joe Kirk and team was just right adding those special touches that made it feel so real, almost like you were in Anatevka.

Tevye (Adam Dannheisser) The head of the family was strong, humorous, serious and confident in the role, he was steadfast throughout the whole performance. He brought his own style of humour and his comic timing was excellent. It flowed so naturally. But when needed he would switch and become sad and solemn. ‘If I Was a Rich Man’, he made his own. It was so naturally brilliant, not over the top but executed with ease and passion. I felt myself leaning in and wanting to dance along and sing. In fact as I looked most of the audience were with me leaning in to the song performance. Adam played the audience well as it was still light and he could see us so clearly, yet that made it more personal. Adam really did not disappoint.

Fiddler brings one highlight after another. ‘Matchmaker’ by three of Tevye’s daughters was just wonderful, such tight harmonies. Tzeitel played by Liv Andrusier stood out for me. She was the eldest of Tevye’s five daughters. Tzietels involvement with Motel, was so lovely to see. You felt they really did love each.

Motel played by Dan Wolf was excellent with his interpretation. ‘Wonders of Wonders. Miracles of Miracles’ Was excellently sang. I felt his relief and excitement at standing up for his lifetime love and succeeding.

Hodel played Georgia Bruce her performance was convincing and blendid with the others seamlessly. Perchik was naturally acted out by Daniel Krikler. Daniel Played his part really well and what a dancer! Finally, Chava played by Hannah Bristow gave an unforgettable performance. She was spellbinding and so happy to be in her character with stunning vocals and her surprise instrument playing. The mother and wife of the family completed the unit and Golde played by Lara Pulver complimented Tevye in her style and caring. She was so fascinating to watch as their story unfolded. The caring and love for each other after ’25 years’ with all that life had thrown at them was beautiful to see and hear with Golde and Tevye’s duet ‘Do you love me’.

There was fun, laughter with the marriage request by Lazar Wolf the butcher. confusion between himself and Tevye over his Dairy cow or future wife. It was an entertaining scene and very funny to watch. I must mention the fiddler on the roof played by Raphael Papo with his haunting interpretations and interaction with Tevye. So enchanting.

The ensemble sat around the stage when they were not engaged in the acting looking on. The choreography from Julia Cheng was just amazing, suited to open air stage. The male dancing, was sublime especially the bottle dance at the wedding, every part of the stage was used. The choreographer in moving tables and props was seamless. Every one of the cast and creative crew should get a mention, but this would make this review far too long. But all cast members fitted together so well. ‘Like a glove’ ‘A match made in Heaven’

Special mention to Aideen Malone who undertook the Lighting Designer and Nick Lidster on Sound construction such great use of reverb on Tevye’s voice during his thought scenes. It was a surprise but so right for the fiddler and the clarinet playing, making it haunting in their performance. I liked the twist by having the actors sitting on the stage when they were not interacting with others. It was all encompassing and I like this touch a lot I felt I was also part of the show.

Highlights for me.

The set design was genius.
The dream scene.
The burning smell and smoke at the end of act one.
The overturning of the milk cart and spilling of milk.
The finale as they are leaving Anatevka.

Overall, This interpretation of Fiddler on the Roof was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for years to come. If you have a chance to see this production, do not hesitate – It really is a must see and so entertaining and emotional.

Reviewer: Mark Bilsby

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.