Review: Fiddler on the Roof - Norwich Theatre

Hope, love, humour, and a sense of community shine through the darkness and desperation in this quite stunning iteration of Fiddler on the Roof.

From the moment the curtain is lifted, we are introduced to the Fiddler (portrayed masterfully by Roman Lytwyniw), as well as Tom Scutt's superb set design, standing in a field of wheat which is then elevated above the stage to act as the titular roof, and in the process foreshadowing the tiny village of Anatevka for the duration of the show.

From here, Tevye introduces himself and his family, and the rest of the company join them for a rousing and beautifully arranged rendition of Tradition. The beautiful arrangements continue throughout, with the superb 12 piece on-stage orchestra very much at the heart of the piece, and the choral harmonies among the cast providing some spine-tingling highlights.

Matthew Woodyatt as Tevye leads the action, his wonderfully wide-ranging performance giving us moments of hilarity and heartbreak, while his rich, soulful voice conveys just as much heart and humour.

Though not equipped with as many one liners as her onstage husband, Jodie Jacobs as Golde also gives an equally heartfelt and funny performance.

The three eldest of Tevye's five daughters, Tzeitel (Natasha Jules Bernard), Hodel (Georgia Bruce), and Chava (Hannah Bristow) are a delight, particularly in Matchmaker Matchmaker. The daughters' respective burgeoning love stories, while brief, are also a joy to behold, in particular the highly inventive scene where Tevye creates the ghost of Golde's grandmother.

There are plenty of brilliant, eye-catching performances, but it's really about the collective. The power of Jordan Fein's production lies in the way it draws you in, making you feel what it is to be part of a community - which makes it all the more sobering in the second half when that spirit is largely crushed by the Tsar's regime.

There are far too many standout moments to list, but the energetic choreography from Julia Cheng throughout is absolutely joyous, and never more so than in the Bottle Dance number of Tzeitel's wedding to Motel.

While of course the piece has themes which are as depressingly resonant in today's world, this production doesn't use its platform to make a laboured political statement. The emotive performances and the bruising reality of community displacement at the closing of the show provides a powerful enough wake-up call.

Fiddler on the Roof continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 16 Aug.