FIDDLER on the Roof is a musical about opposing forces – the personal and the political, the tradition and progress, the head and the heart.
Set against the backdrop of the villagers' tough life, scraping an existence in a Russian village while suffering anti-Semitic attacks, there is plenty of humanity and humour in this production.
Joe McGann, as Tevye, delivers much of this humour, providing a good counterbalance to the bleaker parts of the show.
As Tevye struggles to cling onto the strict traditions of Jewish life, his daughters are moving with the times and decide to marry for love, rather than blindly obey the choice of their parents.
McGann's voice may not be as powerful as one might hope for, but he certainly delivers the wry, world-wearing witticisms with panache.
Other standout performances were Carrie Ellis as Golde, Tevye's no-nonsense wife, Jessica Punch, Katie Lovell and Martine McMenemy as the three altar-bound daughters, Neil Ditt as Perchik the student, Tommy Sherlock as the dithering Motel and Toby Dale as the Constable.
The set is striking yet economical, there is little fuss on the stage – with the glowing backdrop often throwing the characters into silhouette.
The length of the show is rather challenging, and the pace could do with picking up a little, but there are those famous songs, plenty of humour and some excellent dancing and singing to entertain.
Fiddler on the Roof is on at the Congress Theatre until Saturday night, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Call 412000 for tickets.