Fiddler On The Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre)
One of the great, long lasting entries of the Musical Genre and as such it makes it difficult to stamp a mark of originality on to any production particularly after the iconic performance both on stage and in the movie by Topol.
So step forward some thoughtful casting of an Iranian comedian and an actress probably known best for her role as the killer of 'Dirty' Den Watts in a well known soap opera, mixed with a traditional approach to the story of a Jewish dairyman and his long suffering family/community in pre-revolutionary Russia and what do you you get ?
Frankly a highly engaging production that it's difficult not to enjoy on so many levels, Omid Djalili is everything one expects Tevye to be with added wit and sparkle, his conversations with God brought a smile to the audience without losing the importance of the relationship he has with his religion a tough call in what is far from a comedic piece of theatre.
Tracy Ann Oberman brought great ownership to the role of Golde, a wife who left you feeling that she only allows Tevye to think he is the head of the family, when it's really her that's making all the decisions for Simbi Akande, Emma Kingston and Rose Shalloo as Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava respectively, when of course they aren't making their own mind up and ignoring the 'Tradition' of the powerful opening number.
Some inspiring musicality from Tom Brady as Musical Director, including a fiddler on the roof (of the stage) and musicians integrated into the action are coupled with a talented supporting cast. For all the right reasons I will not forget the entertaining dream sequence or the portrayal of Fruma-Sarah by Laura Tebbutt quickly.
Chichester Festival Theatre can be a challenge with its thrust stage and it needs a talented director to make sure those of us sat at the sides of the acting area (of which I was one) are not left feeling isolated from the full experience and Daniel Evans with judicious use of a revolve manages this well.
Fair to say that very little from this venue tends to be of poor quality and there is a long list of West End Transfers and touring productions to follow. Remains to be seen whether this one will take the same track but, if you get the chance I'd seriously recommend a viewing, it runs until 2nd September 2017.
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So step forward some thoughtful casting of an Iranian comedian and an actress probably known best for her role as the killer of 'Dirty' Den Watts in a well known soap opera, mixed with a traditional approach to the story of a Jewish dairyman and his long suffering family/community in pre-revolutionary Russia and what do you you get ?
Frankly a highly engaging production that it's difficult not to enjoy on so many levels, Omid Djalili is everything one expects Tevye to be with added wit and sparkle, his conversations with God brought a smile to the audience without losing the importance of the relationship he has with his religion a tough call in what is far from a comedic piece of theatre.
Tracy Ann Oberman brought great ownership to the role of Golde, a wife who left you feeling that she only allows Tevye to think he is the head of the family, when it's really her that's making all the decisions for Simbi Akande, Emma Kingston and Rose Shalloo as Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava respectively, when of course they aren't making their own mind up and ignoring the 'Tradition' of the powerful opening number.
Some inspiring musicality from Tom Brady as Musical Director, including a fiddler on the roof (of the stage) and musicians integrated into the action are coupled with a talented supporting cast. For all the right reasons I will not forget the entertaining dream sequence or the portrayal of Fruma-Sarah by Laura Tebbutt quickly.
Chichester Festival Theatre can be a challenge with its thrust stage and it needs a talented director to make sure those of us sat at the sides of the acting area (of which I was one) are not left feeling isolated from the full experience and Daniel Evans with judicious use of a revolve manages this well.
Fair to say that very little from this venue tends to be of poor quality and there is a long list of West End Transfers and touring productions to follow. Remains to be seen whether this one will take the same track but, if you get the chance I'd seriously recommend a viewing, it runs until 2nd September 2017.
Book Now
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