Fiddler on the Roof Review: Joyous Sydney Production Pulses with Life

The classic musical Fiddler on the Roof is currently being staged at the Theatre Royal Sydney, running until 3 October 2026. Directed by Jordan Fein, with Gary Abrahams as the resident director, the cast includes Troy Sussman as Tevye, Alexis Fishman as Golde, Sigrid Thornton as Yente, John Waters as Lazar Wolf, Felix Star as Motel, Ellen Ebbs as Hodel, Maxwell Simon as Perchik, and Jacob Steen as Fyedka. Premiering on Broadway in 1964, the musical, featuring music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joseph Stein, is set in the fictional village of Anatevka in 1905, inspired by Sholem Aleichem's works. The production is noted for its contemporary relevance, addressing themes of oppression, antisemitism, and forced migration, particularly significant given the Ukrainian backdrop. Praised for its vibrant ensemble, Julia Cheng's choreography, Tom Scott's production design, and Dominic Woodhead's musical direction, with Ben Adler as the fiddler, the show is described as lively and joyous, challenging notions of being outdated.