Fiddler on the Roof @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

Directed by Jordan Fein, the award-winning Regent's Park production of Fiddler on the Roof is a beautifully naturalistic show. With choreography by Julia Cheng and Olivier-winning design by Tom Scutt, the production strikes an impressive balance between fidelity to the cherished original and fresh, emotionally resonant reinvention.

From the opening moments, the simple yet intimidating set design draws you in. Scutt’s design evokes Anatevka’s rustic texture and fragility. There’s a tangible sense of place, of weathered wood, of earth splitting the world of the fictional Jewish settlement in the Russian Empire. Costumes are carefully crafted and warm in tone, reinforcing the period setting without feeling museum-like. The choreography, too, is supple and expressive, especially in the ensemble scenes. Cheng allows physicality to echo the tension between tradition and change.

At the heart of the show is the poor milkman and faithful father Tevye (Matthew Woodyatt), whose performance is quietly powerful. He’s charming, witty and heartbreaking; these shifts in tone are handled with subtlety. His relationship with Golde (Jodie Jacobs) rings true – there’s warmth, patience, love tested by hardship. The daughters are all strong in their roles; Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, the three eldest of the five around whom the main plot centres, all register distinct character arcs.

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof. Photo: Marc Brenner

The family and their challenges around tradition, love and money, set within a tight-knit community, feel familiar and easy to empathise with despite being set over 100 years ago. One of its strongest aspects is how the production handles themes of change, family loyalty and identity. Though set in 1905, the questions raised feel urgent today; what do we hold on to, and what must we let go? It’s a production that honours tradition and yet insists on the relevance of change.

Musically, the score is delivered beautifully with a live band present throughout in the background of the action. Iconic numbers like 'If I Were a Rich Man', 'Tradition', and 'Sunrise, Sunset' feel familiar yet alive; the orchestra supports without overwhelming. The pacing is good: the show’s 2 hour 40 minute running time (including interval) never drags. This is a moving, visually rich, and thoughtful production of Fiddler on the Roof, and one that deserves the attention it’s getting. Whether you love the classic musical or want to experience why it continues to resonate, this revival is well worth seeing.

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Fiddler on the Roof, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, run ended; UK and Ireland tour continues until Jan 2026
fiddlerontheroofuk.com