Review: Bristol Hippodrome's Fiddler on the Roof is fun, catchy and an extraordinary story
The only thing I really knew about Fiddler on the Roof is that it features a character who does just that.
So, after seeing the production at Bristol Hippodrome, I was over the moon to find out that as well as some excellent fiddling, it features catchy songs and an extraordinary story.
But what I loved most about the musical is all the fun moments that just keep it so entertaining to watch as an audience member across its 2-hour, 40-minute run time.
The main story revolves around Tevye, a traditionalist Jewish peasant who contends with marrying off three of his daughters in 1905 Russia.
The role is played excellently by theatre star Matthew Woodyatt, who easily transitions between the serious family man to the playful father.
He also has an incredible singing voice, infusing immense energy into songs like If I Were a Rich Man.
Matchmaker is also sung beautifully by Tevye’s daughters Tzeitel (Natasha Jules Bernard), Chava (Carys McQueen) and Hodel (Georgia Bruce) - each of whom brings a unique and heartfelt portrayal to their roles.
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The show has a minimal set, represented mostly by haystacks, but there’s an actual roof that the fiddler (Raphael Papo) play from, and I couldn’t help but get excited every time I spotted him up there.
Fiddler has such an interesting story as we see Tevye grappling with a changing world within his family. However, as I mentioned before, it is those fun and silly moments that made me enjoy it so much.
The wine bottle dance scene was extraordinary and I’m still wondering how they did it, while the dream scene was just completely bonkers and part of what makes theatre so enjoyable.
Fiddler on the Roof is showing at Bristol Hippdrome until Saturday, August 30. For tickets, visit: www.atgtickets.com/shows/fiddler-on-the-roof/bristol-hippodrome/calendar/2025-08-29