Fiddler is a landmark production (Review) (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fiddler is a landmark production (Review)

THE fiddler figure on the roof of the newly refurbished Cotswold Playhouse gave a tiny foretaste of the excitements within.

He appeared again on stage at the beginning of the show, Fiddler on the Roof, playing a catchy tune, and from then until his final sombre exit with the Jewish refugees in a snowstorm, the latest musical from the Cotswold Players kept the audience entranced.

Set in Russia in 1905, the action pivoted around bemused milkman Tevye and his wife Golde, as their traditional way of life was challenged.

Perfectly matched, John Knowles and Annie MacCallum made a strong musical focus, with plenty of Jewish humour and salty sentiment, fending off the future which their five daughters welcomed with open arms.

Daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava were again beautifully balanced with their chosen partners - chosen by themselves, not by the traditional matchmaker (a wonderful cameo by Carolyn Dolan).

Simple costumes in earthy peasant shades with Jewish prayer shawls, and Joe Silver helped familiarise the cast with Jewish customs and language.

The Sabbath celebration was both natural and reverent. Fiddles decorating the proscenium arch and strung in the flies left the stage clear for the action.

Musically, Fiddler was a delight, benefiting from the new orchestra pit. Linda and Julian Elloway, the new choreographer and musical director, brought out the poignancy and subtle rhythms of Jewish song and dance, and also the vibrant energy and menace of the Russian soldiers.

The deliberate discords of the orchestral introduction to the second act sent shivers down my back.

In many ways the play was a natural after last year's Cabaret, also directed by Joy Rosselli, chairman of the Players.

That set such a high standard that it was difficult to imagine anything better. But somehow she and the Players have pulled it off once again.

The enthusiasm and support of members for the current improvements have utterly transformed the building, and the foyer was enhanced by an exhibition by Stroud House Gallery.

Stroud now has a theatrical experience to be proud of and we shall look back on Fiddler as a landmark production. Congratulations to all concerned.

For more Stroud arts news and reviews see this week's SNJ.