Fiddler on the Roof

This iconic musical never ceases to surprise, sadden and yet delight even after all the years since it came into being - I was fortunate enough to appear in the Northern Amateur premiere for Leeds Thespians way back in 1972 - I have also seen Topol, Alfie Bass and Henry Goodman play the poor milkman, Tevye, in the West End and the musical remains top of my favourite list!

Morley Amateurs gave its audience a superb evening's entertainment - the Director and Choreographer  Michael Kirkby, managed to bring to his production some lovely new 'twists' - he told me that although this was his fifth production of the musical, he always managed to to see something fresh in the dialogue, this he did with a professional touch. It is not usually my style to mention by name a cast member but on this occasion, I feel I have to congratulate Michael S Siegel on his stunning performance of 'Tevye' - he brought to the role the humour, pathos and a bewilderment that characterises this mammoth role; he has my admiration. He was well supported by a charming and feisty 'Golde' (Jane Ellaway) and a talented group of young principals playing their daughters and prospective husbands. Other principals added extremely well to the mix, each bringing what I could tell was their performing experience to their roles. The chorus also worked well and brought energy to the crowd scenes. At times, the stage did seem cramped with cast, but I appreciate the enormous difficulties of working the Morley Town Hall stage - my congratulations to all concerned back stage.

The Musical Director, David Hann, led his team of musicians with gusto - the score is not an easy one, but David's vast experience guided the cast through it very well.

An additional delight for me was seeing the Krylati Ukrainian Dance Troupe - what a brilliant edge they brought to the production! It's hard for me to say, but I played Golde for Idle and Thackley AOS when their fathers performed their amazing choreography for the first time!! Isn't it wonderful that the 'tradition' has continued - and how appropriate Tevye's speech resonates today -...'without our tradition, our lives would be as shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof'.

My sincere congratulations to you all for an excellent evening's entertainment.

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