Fiddler On The Roof

BasOp’s productions have been well worth watching, over the years, and this one is no exception.  Director Victoria Purton managed to squeeze 52 people into the opening number without it looking crowded on this theatre’s relatively small stage.  A strong and entertaining performance of Tradition, setting the standard for the rest of the production.

Stuart Crawley played the iconic part of Tevye with great style and individuality.   Whilst the show is iconic, it is nice to see an actor put his own interpretation on a part without slavishly copying the original.  Stuart is a very experience performer and this showed in his great stage presence.  Denise Luxford played his long-suffering wife Golde well, the perfect combination of the matriarch behind the man and deeply caring mother.

The three eldest sisters were, quite simply, outstanding.  Jane Gillam (Tzeitel) produced a perfect characterisation.  Amy Taylor (Hodel) similarly, produced a strong characterisation and Lucy Green (Chava) completed the trio with a well observed performance.  Their performance of Matchmaker was delightful, three very strong singers, making the song a complete joy to watch.

Sean Hynes showed a very different side to his performance ability than I have seen from him in the past; with a very well observed characterisation as the seriously shy tailor, Motel.  Matthew Purton (Perchik) continues to impress me with his talent and ability. Chris Foale (Fyedka) was a little bit tentative at the start but he soon settled into the character to complete the very strong trio of male suitors.

There were some lovely characterisations from the supporting Principals, Ian Benson as Lazer Wolf, Rob Morley as Mordcha, Fred Woodrow as Avram, Alex Kersley (Mendel) Debbie Trower (Yente) Derek Brooks (The Rabbi) Angela Phillips (Fruma-Sarah, a part to die for!) Sandra Dollender (Grandma Tzeitel) and Richard Hill (The Constable).  Also well done to Michael Willis who, I understand, took on the role of The Fiddler at relatively short notice.

The Ensemble were brilliant, Victoria had them well drilled and there wasn’t a step out of place (as far as I could see!).  The singing across the whole show was terrific and a special mention for Matthew Capp (Sasha) for his solo song.  The gentlemen sitting next to me commented on Matthew’s beautiful voice and I have to agree!   Lovely to see the bottle dance done properly and well done to the dancers in this number.  I know how difficult it can be, but you all nailed it!

The children were delightful and well done to all of them for their great stage presence.  It’s lovely to see youngsters getting this invaluable experience of performing on a main theatre stage. 

Costumes and scenery were all excellent and the lighting worked well.  There were occasions when the mics were not turned up quickly enough so we missed the first few words of a speech or song.  Not the society’s fault, that was down to the theatre technician who, perhaps needed to know the script a little better.

Finally, a thank you to the Front of House team, Phil and Jean Charalambous, for their hospitality and welcome.  It makes a huge difference to be greeted and looked after during a performance, especially as I was alone for this visit.

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