Fiddler on the Roof

Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

★★★★★ Raises the Roof with Ease!

This production strikes a perfect balance—like that iconic fiddler on the roof—between honouring the rich tradition of the original and breathing new life into it for today’s audiences. It’s a show with a pulsing heartbeat, carrying us through moments of joy and heartbreak with precision and passion.

Matthew Woodyatt delivers an earthy, authentic Tevye—a man of the people whose humour and humanity anchor the story. Opposite him, Jodie Jacobs as Golde is magnetic, her vocal power and emotional depth embodies the soul of the town. Under Jordan Fein’s astute direction, the entire cast feels like a true community: a family ensemble that moves and breathes as one, often perched at the edges of the stage as watchful townsfolk.

The live musicianship is exquisite, with haunting harmonies that linger long after the curtain falls. Roman Lytwyniw’s fiddler becomes almost an extension of Tevye’s soul, underscoring his outbursts with flamboyant, heartfelt flourishes.

Visually, Tom Scutt and Aideen Malone’s design work is striking—the blazing thatch moment sears itself into your memory, a visceral image that stays with you well beyond the interval.

This openhearted revival invites you to sit among the villagers, to laugh, cry, and sing alongside them. Its punchy pacing keeps the energy high, while the swirling choreography sweeps us into the heart of this timeless, challenging story. A triumph of tradition and reinvention—don’t miss it.

Reviewed by Ben Castle