Stunning performances on a brilliant set by Leamington and Warwick Musical Society

For a society celebrating its 90th birthday, the Leamington and Warwick Musical Society serve up a wonderfully fresh, enthralling, engaging and energetic production.

Fiddler on the Roof is one of those musicals you think you know really well, and then a new approach pulls you up short. For me, it was the beauty of the music and the stunning choral performances from the whole company. Top that off with a great story, brilliant set and some great performances.

Home is Anatevka, a poor Russian village on the eve of the first Russian revolution and the pogroms where Tevye (Steve Smith) is trying to keep a lid on revolution in the family. His five daughters have minds of their own and are not going to follow the traditions of their Jewish faith and culture. His eldest daughter, Tzeitel, (Rohanna MacGregor) is promised to marry the butcher Lazar Wolf (Graham Shurvinton) but she wants the tailor, Motel (Simon Lucas).

Tzeitel’s bold action frees her sisters from arranged marriages. Tevye’s wife Golda (Kathy Evans) provides solid support during their many crises.

It is not unrelenting gloom - there is, as you’d expect, a rich dollop of humour. I‘d never noticed the wonderful line from Tevye, “If we are God’s chosen people, could he choose someone else for a change?”

This musical is hard work for Tevye who acts as narrator as well as the central character and Steve Smith delivers a top-notch performance. Why Fiddler on the Roof? Because they try to make sweet music while precariously perched.

Jane Howard