Showing @ King’s Theatre, Edinburgh 15-19 Feb

The air is electric and the packed-out audience of fans is buzzing as the curtain raises on Fiddler on the Roof, amateur operatic group The Southern Light Opera Company’s 2011 production. And with the solitary melody of Donald Taylor on the fiddle and the legendary opening song, ‘Tradition’, the scene is set for an emotional roller-coaster of an evening, full of highs, lows, and mazel tovs.

Set in pre-revolution Tsarist Russia, poor Jewish milkman Tevye and his wife try to find good husbands for their five daughters, all of whom want to marry for love rather than tradition or financial security. The overwhelming theme is of the caring camaraderie of a close-knit community, forced to go their separate ways when they are made to leave their homes by the Russian army. As families are torn apart and scattered across the world, hope lives on despite the sadness and waste as the Jews are persecuted for the umpteenth time in their tumultuous history.

Despite the sombre premise, local director Andy Johnston has delivered on his promise of a show full of comedy and entertainment; this production is overflowing with laugh-out-loud moments thanks to the enthusiasm and comic timing of the leading performers. Talented Lech Boroń is faultless as Tevye, and his energy and humour make him the shining star of the show. He manages to embrace the role as his own, which is no mean feat when the film’s great, Topol, has set the standard so high.

Although there are a few wobbly moments, this is a grand production that is full of the energy and laughs usually only seen in Panto season, balanced by a strong cast that has enough versatility and skill to equally emphasise the tragic plight of Tevye and his Jewish community.