REVIEW: Fiddler on the Roof at Sunderland Empire

Fiddler on the Roof 

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 29 November 2025

The Olivier Award-winning production of Fiddler on the Roof arrived at Sunderland Empire this week, running until Saturday 29th November 2025. This highly anticipated UK tour brings the critically acclaimed musical directly from its summer season at London's Barbican Theatre, offering North East audiences a rare opportunity to experience this theatrical masterpiece. Following its triumphant wins at this year's Olivier Awards for Best Musical Revival, Best Set Design, and Best Sound Design, the production has already proven its ability to captivate both audiences and critics alike during its celebrated West End run. 

I know that I personally have been looking forward to seeing the show for the first time as I grew up listening to the cast recording and remember seeing the film on television. Those songs really told me a story before I had the opportunity to see shows for myself. 

Fiddler on the Roof first premiered on Broadway in 1964, with original direction and choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins and production by Harold Prince. The musical has since become one of the greatest shows ever written, featuring a score that includes some of theatre's most beloved songs. This marks the first UK tour of the classic in over twelve years, making it a significant theatrical event for regional audiences. The show's enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of heart, humour, and humanity, telling a story that has resonated across generations and continues to speak powerfully to contemporary audiences. It understands that an audience needs to connect and care about the characters.

Set in 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka, the musical follows Tevye, a Jewish milkman who lives his life according to proud traditions. With five daughters to raise, Tevye expects the matchmaker to arrange suitable marriages according to custom. However, as each daughter begins to challenge his beliefs and choose her own path in love, Tevye finds himself caught between honouring ancient traditions and embracing the changing world around him. Against the backdrop of growing political tension and social upheaval, the story explores whether Tevye can hold firm to his roots or must bend to the will of his children and learn to accept the unfamiliar. The musical weaves together themes of family, faith, and the struggle between tradition and progress with both comedic warmth and poignant depth.

Matthew Woodyatt leads the company with remarkable presence as Tevye, bringing both gravitas and gentle humour to the milkman's philosophical musings and his iconic numbers including 'If I Were A Rich Man'. His chemistry with Jodie Jacobs, who plays his wife Golde, grounds the production in authentic emotional warmth, particularly during their touching rendition of 'Do You Love Me?'. Beverley Klein, an Olivier Award nominee, delivers a wonderfully comic yet nuanced performance as Yente the matchmaker, bringing mischievous energy to the proceedings. The three eldest daughters are portrayed with individual charm and determination by Natasha Jules Bernard as Tzeitel, Georgia Bruce as Hodel, and Hannah Bristow as Chava, each bringing depth to their characters' journeys of self-discovery.

The supporting cast enriches the production immeasurably, with Dan Wolff endearing as the gentle tailor Motel, whose rendition of 'Miracle of Miracles' is genuinely moving. Greg Bernstein brings passionate idealism to the revolutionary student Perchik, while Gregor Milne creates a sympathetic portrayal of Fyedka. Michael Siegel commands the stage as Lazar Wolf, the butcher, particularly in the celebratory 'To Life', whilst Mark Faith as the Rabbi and the entire ensemble breathe vibrant life into the community of Anatevka. The ensemble work during numbers such as 'Tradition' and 'Matchmaker' showcases the strength of the entire company, creating a living, breathing village before our eyes.

One of the production's greatest strengths is its use of a live band, with musicians remaining visible at the rear of the stage throughout the performance. This choice adds an authentic, intimate quality to the storytelling, reminding audiences of the folk traditions at the heart of the narrative. The acoustic sound is fabulous, allowing every note of the magnificent score to shine through with clarity and emotional power. Olivier Award nominee Raphael Papo brings the iconic role of The Fiddler to haunting life, his presence both mystical and grounding, serving as a constant reminder of the traditions that bind the community together. The fiddler's music weaves through the production like a thread, connecting past to present and providing moments of pure theatrical magic.

Director Jordan Fein, choreographer Julia Cheng, and Tony Award-winning designer Tom Scutt form a powerhouse creative team whose vision has earned deserved acclaim. The lighting design deserves particular mention, creating atmospheric shifts that transport audiences from the warmth of family gatherings to the chill of winter and the darkness of persecution. The visual storytelling is subtle yet powerful, with lighting helping to delineate time, place, and mood whilst never overwhelming the intimate human drama at the story's core.

In these uncertain times, Fiddler on the Roof feels remarkably relevant, reminding us of the importance of community, the courage required to embrace change, and the enduring power of hope. This is a feel-good show in the truest sense, one that doesn't shy away from difficult themes but ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in family and tradition. It's a production that earns both its laughter and its tears, leaving audiences uplifted and moved in equal measure. This is essential theatre that speaks across generations, and Wearside audiences should seize this rare opportunity to experience such a sublime revival of a genuine musical masterpiece.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photo: Marc Brenner

📍 Fiddler on the Roof at Sunderland Empire

🗓️ Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 November 2025
🕰️ Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
👤 Age Guidance: 12+
🎟️ Tickets: Available now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland (Transaction fee may apply)