The Full Company. Credit – Marc Brenner
Boy do I love a good musical and Joseph Stein’s Fiddler on The Roof was no disappointment. I loved the film – it’s one I remember performing with my brother when we were kids. I loved the songs and the dancing but was then oblivious to the background story of the Russian Revolution.
The tale is about Tevye, (Adam Dannheisser) a poor Jewish Milkman from Anatevka. Tevye speaks to the audience and God about how hard life is in Russia for the Jews comparing its precariousness to that of a /fiddler on the roof’. Tevye and his wife Golde have five daughters whom he can’t afford to marry off and the story is mainly all about three of them falling in love and finding their own husbands instead of the services of the Yente, the matchmaker.
For a 50-odd-year-old musical, even now, there’s something timely about this story of a people being forcibly ejected from their homes and fleeing racist rioters. Definitely food for thought… and you will ponder on what really changes in our society as the years goes by.
The whole production is ablaze with powerful energy and rousing music – the ‘roof’ was actually a golden wheat field and much to my delight, the orchestra were visible on stage.
A special Afridiziak shout-out goes to the amazing fiddler, Raphael Papo and Hannah Bristow who not only showcase the most stunning and melodious vocals as Chava but also plays a beautiful duet on the clarinet with the fiddler.
It has to be said that Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the most magical place. It’s filled with fairy lights friendly staff and just so pretty! If you are a lover of musicals, then you won’t want to miss this one – a high-quality show in a beautiful location –just perfect for a date night.
Need to know: Fiddler on the Roof plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 28 Sep 2024.
