Fiddler on the Roof
Following on from it’s sell out run at Regent Park Open Air Theatre in 2024 and after winning 3 Olivier Awards, Jordan Fein’s revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ has moved to The Barbican Centre for a limited 6 week run. It’s not hard to see why this show has returned, an audience favourite with classic ‘Golden Age’ showtunes and a beautiful story of family it’s a sure-fire win.
With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein this show made it’s Broadway premier in 1964. Set around 1905 the plot focuses on ‘Tevye’ a milk man in a small village of Anatevka. Tevye struggles to maintain his Jewish traditions whilst also honouring the wishes and needs of those around him, specifically his 5 daughters.
Several of the original cast from last summer have returned to their roles for this short summer run, leading man ‘Tevye’ is again played by Adam Dannheisser who brings a beautiful warm quality to the gruff character. There are moments of whimsy throughout, he is a gentle giant who ultimately wants to make everyone happy.
Lara Pulver is the perfect opposite to Dannheisser, stoic and cold at times she maintains a grounded energy throughout. It is hard to take your eyes from Pulver when she is on stage, her presence is unmatched. She shines in her heartwarming duet with Dannheisser ‘Do You Love Me?’ showing a delightful tenderness.
Beverley Klein is sublime as ‘Yente’ the village matchmaker (and gossip), she brings the laughs and helps lighten the mood at times when it is needed most. Georgia Bruce shines as ‘Hodel’ one of the daughters. Georgia shows off an impressive singing voice and they have a wonderful chemistry with their eventual partner ‘Perchik’ played by Daniel Krikler
Julia Cheng is choreographer for this show and she has done an incredible job. The movement is quite something to behold – especially the ‘bottle dance’ . The largest change from the Open Air Theatre production to this one is obviously the design, being restricted by a stage and a roof could have impacted this production quite significantly but the design by Tom Scutt transitions wonderfully, with the use of a rising platform forming the roof upon which the fiddler plays it is quite impactful. I do wonder though if some of the magic has been lost bringing the show into a more traditional space, the show feels all together bigger than the theatre stage allows for.
Fiddler on the Roof is the perfect example of an ensemble piece, the entire cast work so closely together you truly could believe they make up a village, especially in the song ‘The Rumour’ which is a hilarious moment of Chinese whispers amongst the characters. This is a fantastic revival, it’s full of heart and of course…Tradition’
This show was reviewed at The Barbican Centre on the 3rd June 2025 where it runs until the 19th July 2025. Tickets available here: http://fiddlerontheroofuk.com/
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit: Marc Brenner
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