Fiddler on the Roof is a thoughtful revival which holds a mirror up to society – review

We’re big fans of a night out at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park – if you can pick a good evening for it (this summer has been rather unpredictable, unfortunately) then you’re in for a magical evening. The season usually ends with a musical, and this year is no different: for 2024 we have a revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. Jordan Fein directs this classic musical about smalltown life in the Jewish village of Anatevka.

For those who haven’t seen Fiddler on the Roof, it’s not the most conventional of musicals – there’s no big number to close act one or kick things off again after the interval – in fact, the show’s best-known songs (Matchmaker and If I Were a Rich Man) both land at the start of act one. Perhaps that’s indicative of what’s to come in the story: it’s a show about tradition and the changing world in which we live. We’re introduced to milkman Tevye, who is trying to arrange husbands for his five daughters – but they have other ideas.

Broadway actor Adam Dannheisser plays the lead role of Tevye, with Lara Pulver as his wife Golde. They both have great singing voices and are ably supported by a talented ensemble cast. Fiddler on the Roof has some wonderful songs and these are delivered powerfully with the aid of an impressive band who are visible on stage throughout. The set – courtesy of designer Tom Scutt – is visually striking: it looks like a field of wheat that’s been peeled up from the ground. There aren’t really any big choreographed numbers (again, it’s not like most other musicals), although there’s an entertaining bottle dance sequence during a wedding scene, and a hugely creative dream sequence too.

The best art holds a mirror up to today’s society and it’s hard not to draw parallels between this production and current conflicts. The main narrative thread of Fiddler on the Roof unfolds against a backdrop of Russian aggression: the pogrom that interrupts a wedding scene feels like it could be happening right now in Ukraine or Palestine. During a time when racist riots are happening within our own country, this show feels like a timely reminder of where those actions can lead – it can be quite chilling in places.

It probably goes without saying that this is not a feel-good night out in the same way that previous musical productions – such as last year’s La Cage aux Folles – have been at the Open Air Theatre. This revival of Fiddler on the Roof is, however, an incredibly powerful and moving piece of theatre, and while there is certainly a serious undertone, it’s also a great celebration of life and the possibilities for joy.

GAY TIMES gives Fiddler on the Roof – 4/5

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