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MUSICAL: Fiddler on the Roof, Palace Theatre, March 11 to 15

Kate Stirrup
5/ 3/2008

WHO can forget the sight of portly and poor Russian milkman Tevye dancing around his barn, dreaming of life as a rich man in the classic 1971 movie musical Fiddler on the Roof?

Tel Aviv-born actor Topol was Oscar-nominated for his role in the film, an adaptation of the earlier stage show that is now heading to Manchester with a TV favourite in the title role.

The story centres on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives.

He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each of whose choice of husband moves progressively further away from established customs – and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.

Fiddler on the Roof is blessed with a gloriously rousing score full of memorable melodies and a very moving and bittersweet storyline.

Actor Joe McGann, fondly remembered for his role as Charlie Burrows in sitcom in classic ‘will they won’t they’ sitcom The Upper Hand, is stepping into Topol’s not inconsiderable shoes.

When metromagazine spoke to Joe while he was in rehearsals for the show he admitted he had only recently watched the movie classic.

"I think if I had been very familiar with Topol’s performance, it might have been a bit of a millstone around my neck. I could have been imitating rather than acting," he said.

"If I Were a Rich Man is not an easy song to do. It’s a behemoth of a number! But it’s great fun singing it.

"The show is one of those four or five musicals that, like Guys and Dolls, Blood Brothers and West Side Story, combine a bullet-proof script with a fantastic score.

"It is just pure entertainment with a heart-wrenching, poignant story. And people can relate to it. The pogroms in Russia happened, it was only 100 years ago. It still echoes in people’s memories.

"I think audiences will react very well to the show, which has a great cast, with great singing."

Fiddler on the Roof is at The Palace Theatre From Tuesday, March 11 to Saturday, March 15. For tickets ring 0844 847 2275.