Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof – famous for its journey into Jewish traditions, it is an ideal vehicle for a talented youth group such as YESPA. We enjoyed a warm welcome to this packed performance.

The programme was informative, well-designed and priced.

Washed with gentle lighting, the open stage had an attractive, minimalist set designed by Amelia Hulbert. It consisted of lattice-works of planks arranged to form the outline of the village.  Scene changes were all smoothly carried out, with the stage crew dressed in costume. The minimalist approach continued throughout, but always illustrating where the action was taking place.

Lighting was used very effectively. Individuals and groups were well lit.  There was good use of colour to create mood and effect particularly the pool of light for the Sabbath scene and the silhouette of Tevye at the end.  Good sound amplification together with good sound effects made for easy listening.

Costumes were well chosen and appropriate to the characters and the period. It was easy to distinguish between Russian and Jewish characters. Hair and make-up were good.  Props were also spot-on; and were always handled correctly and smoothly.

The quality of the dancing deserves congratulations - just navigating that huge cast about the stage was effort enough; but BOY did they look good ! The Bottle Dance was a delight. 

The fine orchestra supported the superb singers without drowning.  The high standard of singing extended to both solo and chorus numbers with some fine harmonies threading through.

All of the acting was smooth and naturalistic…everyone totally in the moment. Piers Spicer utterly inhabited the role of Tevye. Without any over-playing, he was the kindly patriarch who carries the show on his aching back. Cesca Ritchie as his wife, Golde, seemed a little nervous at first; but soon settled into a fine performance as the boss of the family. Their five daughters had attractive and individual characters   The young Fiddler did a good job and I didn’t envy him his elevated position. 

Artistic Director, John Harries-Rees very ably brought out the joys and heartache of the daily village life, without shying from the darker theme of the Russian authority’s oppression of the Jews - and he had a very fine cast and crew to support him.

The whole evening had a real buzz to it. Everyone was out to enjoy themselves and the performance certainly delivered that enjoyment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.