Fiddler on the Roof
Information
- Date
- 5th April 2019
- Society
- Littlehampton Players Operatic Society
- Venue
- The Windmill Theatre, Littlehampton
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Bob Woodman
- Musical Director
- Daniel Paine
- Choreographer
- Bob Woodman
Having directed this show myself some years ago, I did wonder how well it could be performed on the Windmill stage. To make this show work it requires a large cast which they certainly found, plus a good supply of male performers, and enough space for them to move smoothly especially in the opening number. I need not have worried. ‘Tradition’ was outstanding and set the whole level of performance for the evening. I loved the fiddler on the roof. The cleverly designed fixed set was changed from exterior to interior calmly and speedily by an efficient stage crew assisted by the cast members. Lighting was excellent and well timed and very atmospheric especially in the Fuma-Sarah scene, the sound was spot-on and the orchestra a delight in every respect. The dancing was well within the abilities of all the cast who had obviously been well drilled. It must have been quite a challenge on a relatively small stage which succeeded in never looking overcrowded.
From the minute Teyve, brilliantly played by Robin Sheppard, welcomed us to Anatevka we knew we were in for a super evening. He brought warmth and a genuine sense of humour to the part especially when in conversation with God. His beautiful duet with his daughter Hodel, ‘Far From the Home I Love’ brought sad memories of my family leaving home and the great duet with Golda, his wife, ‘Do You Love Me’ touched the hearts of everyone in the audience. Emily Dadson as Golda was outstanding. She was truly a Jewish matriarch controlling her family with warmth but firmness.
The daughters were all very good and I must certainly mention the three older ones Tzeitel, Maisie O’Neill, Hodel, Grace Hattersley and Chava, Alice Dukes whose delightful interpretation and rendition of ‘Matchmaker‘ was most beautifully performed. Yente, Joan Skingley, Motel, Graham Carton, Perchik Stephen Grover and Lazar Wolf Jimmy Lynch all gave strong convincing performances and the rest of the principals and villagers, Russians and children all added their support to this excellent show.
With such a demanding production the person deserving most praise must be Bob Woodman for her outstanding direction of a really great musical. Well done. It was outstanding.
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