Review: Fiddler on the Roof at The Bristol Hippodrome
Posted on: 27 Aug 2025Xavier Ellis reviews Fiddler on the Roof at The Bristol Hippodrome until 30th August 2025 and gives it the full 5 stars!
In late August we had the pleasure of being invited back to The Hippodrome to see the latest touring production of Fiddler on the Roof. A timeless classic, a complete revival of the beloved musical but with a fresh stage setting, new props, and correctly dated outfits.
A good friend of mine caught the musical during its 2 month run in London and gave a glistening review of the show – so suffice to say – expectations were rather high. The underlying themes of the musical though – clear as ever. Those of tradition, community, and change. The staging manages to feel both rooted in heritage and freshly alive for the newer generation.
From the moment the curtain rises, the set design establishes the tone of the evening. A wooden frame, resembling the outline of a rustic village, and an incredibly cleverly elevated platform that acts as a roof as well as a “second plain” throughout the musical.
The humble cottages and weather-worn wood evoke a lived-in authenticity, Lighting is also cleverly used throughout the performance – shifting to fit both the uplifting, as well as, deep and sentimental scores of the musical. Design underscores these shifts, with warm ambers bathing domestic moments and starker, cooler hues marking moments of upheaval.
The staging wisely never overwhelms the story, instead, it provides a strong sense of place, grounding the audience in the rhythms of village life.
At the heart of this production is the commanding performance of Matthew Woodyatt playing Tevye. Equal parts philosopher, comedian, and weary patriarch, his Tevye carries the audience through every emotional turn. His continuous delivery of philosophical ponderings as well as his misquotes of the bible take the audience from hysterical laughter to profound wonderment. Opposite him, Golde, played by Jodie Jacobs, is portrayed with a quiet strength and understated warmth that deepens their relationship beyond caricature; their duet “Do You Love Me?” is handled with touching simplicity, a highlight of the evening.
The younger cast members, particularly the actors playing Tevye’s daughters, bring not only vibrancy, but also extreme percussion talent. Their individuality shines through and helps one to follow quite a lead-heavy show. Each daughter shows the generational shift pulling against tradition, stepping further and further away one child at a time.
Choreography, inspired by Jerome Robbins’ original work, is a triumph. The “Bottle Dance” at the wedding is a true showstopper, performed with astonishing precision. I was sure they had magnets in their hats! But no, careful concentration and pure talent kept the number rolling.
In summary, the touring production of Fiddler on the Roof is a rich, heartfelt, and beautifully staged evening of theatre. A family friendly show that will be engaging to all generations. And unsurprisingly, a standing ovation to finish.
**Photography/ footage features original West End Company.