Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 5 Oct @ 19:30 (Thu and Sat matinees @ 14:30)

There’s a common convention whereby big-budget popular theatrical productions recruit big names of the past to boost audience numbers. On first glance, it may seem that Paul Michael “Starsky” Glaser‘s appearance in this new production of Fiddler on the Roof is just such a ploy. However, as soon as Glaser’s Tevye appears onstage, any notions that his star has faded are put to rest. It is nearly forty years since his Starsky and Hutch heyday (and 42 since he portrayed Perchik in the Fiddler film), but Glaser’s magnetic stage presence and excellent performance provide the very heart of this production.

Glaser is well supported by a multi-talented cast who sing, play musical instruments, and dance just as well as they act. Craig Revel Horwood may be better known these days as a Strictly Come Dancing judge, but his revival of Jerome Robbins‘ original direction amply demonstrates his choreographic qualifications. The live music, flawless performances, the elaborate earth-toned sets and beautiful staging all combine to recreate a classic silver screen-style musical experience.

The underlying story is perhaps less familiar than other classics of the genre, possibly due to a script that relies very heavily on what could be seen as Jewish stereotypes. However, Fiddler should be seen in a wider context as the tale of a decent everyman struggling to strike a balance between treasured traditions and an ever-changing world, all whilst bearing the weight of oppression and poverty.

Edinburghers are fortunate to have a varied theatrical menu on their doorstep all year round. The challenging and innovative flavours of new writing and experimental theatre can be a very rewarding experience, but sometimes what one craves most is a return to the nourishing comfort of the classics.