Review: Fiddler on the Roof

by Daniel Hill

The summer musical is always a highlight of Chichester’s summer season and this year it was Daniel Evan’s first summer musical at Chichester. The classic tale chosen was Fiddler on the Roof. 

Unlike previous musicals at Chichester this is not known for a joyous storyline but for tremendous music. The show’s book is written by Joseph Stein with Music by Jerry Block and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The cast was led by Omid Djalili and Tracy-Ann Oberman who both gave superb performances and they were supported by a strong ensemble who raised the standard of the performance. This tale of reality is set in 1905 and explores a Jewish community as they struggle to live in a cruel Russia. Daniel Evans’ direction is brilliant and he continues Chichester’s reputation of producing brilliant theatre.

Omid Djalili presents Tevye in a unique style and gives the audience a spellbinding performance. He adds his own comical aspects to the role which makes it his own and leaves the audience wanting more. Djalili’s strong performance arguably steals the show. Tracy-Ann Oberman’s role of Golde opposite Djalili is much smaller but she still manages to create a stand out performance. The onstage pairing between Djalili and Oberman constructs the basis of the outstanding show. The ensemble is made up of some very strong actors who act as a foundation. 

The performances were paired with amazing stage, set and lighting design. The parallelism between the family's poor economic state and the use of suitcases to create the set which included doorways and tables. The lighting was also used effectively throughout to add emotion to the piece, with other moments of technical beauty that just brought the production up a notch. This was especially noted at the end of the production when the audience was moved.

The production ends as water starts to rapidly fall towards the back of the stage and, as the cast stand behind the waterfall, images of Jewish refugees who fled Russian are projected onto the rain. This powerful image is proceeded by Omid Djalili who walks through the rain in order to return to join the Fiddler on his journey out of Anatevka. This gives the audience a further insight into Tevye’s caring character. This moving moment gives the production an emotional ending.

  

The timeless musical was given a new life by director Daniel Evans and his cast as they graced the stage at Chichester. This production was very different to previous years at the Festival Theatre, yet they still managed to provide a triple threat of a production with dance, song and acting. The production told the story by breaking ‘tradition’ which can begin a hopefully successful reign for Daniel Evans as the Artistic Director.