FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Sholom Aleichem, the Yiddish storyteller, brought to life some wonderful characters in his book The Tevye Stories. The story of Tevye, a milkman, steeped in the Jewish Tradition, his wife and daughters. Fiddler on the Roof is one of my favourite musicals, and it was honestly and sincerely brought to life by PMA Theatre, a relatively new Company which are going from strength to strength. The set was adequate and the stage crew managed all scene changes with ease.

Sam Highcock, in the enviable role of Tevye, pulled out all the stops, revealing the milkman’s different moods throughout the performance. His relationship with God was well thought out, beseeching Him for advice about breaking the Tradition. Sam dealt with all musical numbers with aplomb, and brought both comedy and pathos to this demanding role. Sam’s ‘If I were a Richman’ was a triumph. Strong performance from Rebecca Ceballos as wife Golde, managing her five daughters as well as trying to keep her beloved Tevye in order, and attempting to get her first daughter Tzeitel married off with the help of the ‘traditional’ Matchmaker. I particularly liked Golde’s duet with Tevye, ‘Do You Love Me?’. Enthusiastic performances from the three main daughters, Phoebe Evans – Tzeitel, Mia Lockley – Hodel and Holly Stones – Chava. Each seeking a husband in three very different situations, but all looking to break the tradition of the Matchmaker consequently perhaps putting her out of business. I loved their Matchmaker, Matchmaker, the three sisters blending well to the delight of the audience. Delightful support from the two younger daughters, Jess Dailey - Shprintze and Natalie Eastwell – Bielke. Ellis Morey, Daniel Williams and Iwan Mainstone  gave valuable contributions as the suitors, Motel, Perchik and Fyedka respectively, and were spot on in all their tasks. Positive performance from Jo Greenhalgh as Yente the Matchmaker together with Landon Sweeney’s commanding portrayal as Lazar Wolf the Butcher. The Company coped well with the difficult scene Tevye’s Dream with Emily Salisbury as Fruma Sarah and Natalie Allpress as Grandma Tzeitel addressing the difficult score. Professional touch from Chris Atherton as The Fiddler, together with all minor roles well portrayed.

The chorus reacted to every situation on stage with excellent singing and choreography and it was evident throughout that all enjoyed the experience of bringing this fascinating musical to our attention. Well done all involved in this production, a great effort. Thank You.

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