Fiddler on the Roof

Reporter: Colin Meredith
Date online: 12/06/2008

In its 40th year Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society has chosen the musical Fiddler On The Roof which was last performed by the society in 1979. This production combined the talents of the adult society and the junior section J.A.W.S under the entire direction of Andy Kelly.

The opening sees Leah Cittanova actually playing the fiddle whilst balancing on the roof top to mark the entrance of Tevye. An impressive orchestra then accompanies the large chorus in the opening number Tradition,as we are introduced to the main characters of the village.

The Jewish milkman Tevye will forever be associated with Topol and Stuart Forbes brought all his experience to bear in a deeply felt and moving portrayal, exemplifying humour through adversity. Playing opposite him as Golde was Michelle Buckley revealing a warmth of character beneath a feisty exterior.

Claire Marsden, Carys Maitland, Sam Anchor, worked well together as Tevye's three eldest daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava respectively, with Sam Anchor proving to have the strongest singing voice. Their choice of husband causes their father to question his traditions and beliefs.

There were some strong characterisations on display and Lee Slater as The Matchmaker and Darren Fricker as Perchik were consistent throughout. Despite his young years Danny Killeen as Motel, the Tailor displayed the nervousness of Motel unable to ask Tevye for his daughters hand in marriage. The reliable Jack Sunderland did not disappoint as the Rabbi and neither did Tony Cragg as Lazar Wolf or Graham Hill as Mordcha the innkeeper. The presence of the Chaika Ukranian Dance Group added an authentic feel to the inn scene with the famous Bottle Dance; although some bottles did defy the laws of gravity.

Fiddler on the Roof demands a lot from the cast and I did feel that some of the performances were a little lightweight, due mainly to the age of the performers rather than their acting ability. The production was choreographed by Maggie Lawrence and the audience showed their appreciation to the entire company with generous applause at the final curtain.

Fiddler on the Roof
Whitworth A M & D S
Whitworth Civic Hall