“Fiddler On The Roof” by West Bridgford Operatic Society
The Space, Arboretum Street, Nottingham

The show is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905 and is based on the story of Tevye the Milkman by Sholem Aleichem.

The story follows father of five Tevye as he tries to uphold tradition in an ever changing political and social landscape. During a period of change for Russian Jews, the family learn to cope with the decline of Tsarist Russia and the tough laws enforced on the family and the village of Anatevka.

This much loved and often performed musical includes many musical theatre classics such as “Matchmaker Matchmaker”, “If I Were A Rich Man”, “Sunrise Sunset”, “Tradition” and the tentative “Do You Love Me” and the melancholy "Far From The Home I Love".

Whether it was first night nerves, I don't know, but tonight started a little shaky. That soon changed though and they settled into it and turned out a cracking production. For me there could have been a stronger accent presence with some of the actors and again in act two, that also seemed to have been resolved for the most part.

Tevye is played by Dermot Randall, and it was obvious that anyone playing this role will be compared with Topol's classic performance. Dermot made the role his and I loved the choreographed pieces which he really threw himself into, making the part fun. I also loved "Do You Love Me" which is one of my favourite songs from the musical. Tevye's duet with his wife, Golde, was heart felt and one of many highlights in this production.

Golde, played by Jackie Dunn, is a wonderful female musical theatre role. The role includes some beautiful musical pieces as well as some down to earth, no nonsense characterisation.. Jackie was quite unrecognisable to start with, but once that lovely voice was let loose, I knew it was Jackie.

The Matchmaker, Yente, is played by another recognisable face in Ali Biller. The character is fun and gossipy and Ali brings out both of these traits in her portrayal of the soon to be redundant cupid.

It's a great cast which comprises of many well known names and faces from the Nottinghamshire local theatre stages.

Louise Grantham (Tzeitel), James Ellison (Morel), Lucy Theobald (Hodel), Rob Harrison (Perchick), Katie Taylor (Chava), Sam Jones (Fyedke), Martin Thomas (Lazer Wolf), Tom Parry (Fiddler) and a large ensemble cast helped to tell this story which, unlike most musicals, ended on a sad note with Tevye denying one of his daughter's existence due to her choice of husband, and the families and friends being forced out of the town that they all called home.

It may have a sad ending but there are plenty of laughs along the journey though and the highlight scene for me was Tevye's Dream which featured the rather wonderful spectral summoning of Grandma Tzeitel, played by Jean Krzeminski and a full ensemble.

Directed by Linda Croston with Musical Director being Andrew Nicklin, it all galloped along at a fine pace. so much so that when the show ended at 10.30, it really didn't seem to have been three hours since curtain up. You can't say that you don't get your money's worth with this one.

The choreography for this musical is very stylised so Maxine Loydall had her work cut out, but the cast pulled it off wonderfully. Also included in the choreography were the Hoveria Ukranian Dance Ensemble who were a wonderful addition to the show with their traditional dance skills.

The choice to have a minimalist set was a good one as it made for ease of movement on and off stage, but also said all it needed to say, designed by Milly White.

If tonight is anything to go by, then the rest of the week should be a sell out, so get your tickets fast. It's a lovely musical staged in a lovely, comfortable modern theatre, so break the tradition of staying in, and go and get a ticket or two.

“Fiddler On The Roof” is at The Space at the Girl’s High School in Nottingham until Saturday 24 February 2018.