Sensational band, incredible fiddler: 'Fiddler on the Roof' arrives in Sydney and delivers
Honest review of the record-breaking West End hit
Fiddler on the Roof opened at Theatre Royal Sydney on Wednesday, and if opening night is anything to go by, this is the production that’s going to have Sydney talking.
The West End revival comes to Australia with serious pedigree. It broke the record for the best-selling musical of all time during its season at London’s Barbican Theatre, and picked up three Olivier Awards along the way, including Best Musical Revival.
Set in 1905 in the Jewish village of Anatevka, Fiddler on the Roof follows milkman Tevye as he tries to hold onto tradition while marrying off his five daughters against the backdrop of a changing world. It’s the show that gave us “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Matchmaker” and “Sunrise, Sunset” — songs that have long outlived their original 1964 production.
Directed by Jordan Fein (Into the Woods), choreographed by Julia Cheng (Cabaret) and designed by Olivier and Tony winner Tom Scutt, this production leans into a stylised, pared-back set rather than the shtetl realism Fiddler is usually staged with. It’s a bold call for a show this beloved, and on opening night, it paid off. The design gives the story room to breathe without ever losing its warmth.
The dancing and the band were sensational from the opening notes of “Tradition”. It’s still a great piece of theatre, and that score remains wonderful more than six decades on. Ben Adler, playing The Fiddler, was incredible, threading through the action as the show’s quiet emotional anchor.
Leading the cast as Tevye is Australian and West End star Troy Sussman, alongside beloved Australian icon Sigrid Thornton as Yente, Alexis Fishman as Golde and John Waters as Lazar Wolf. It’s a strong, high-octane ensemble, and the Sydney season marks the production’s world premiere outside London, following London critics who called it “liberating, exuberant — hugely moving” (Evening Standard) and “a simply glorious revival” (City AM).
Prior to this show, I knew very little about Fiddler on the Roof going in, and admitted to being a little apprehensive beforehand, largely because of the two hour and 40 minute running time. That apprehension didn’t last. By interval, I was won over, and left just as enthusiastic as I was about the stylised design, the score and the performances.
Fiddler on the Roof is now playing at Theatre Royal Sydney until October 3.
Verdict: recommended. Go see it.