Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Luke Fetherston. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Luke Fetherston. Sort by date Show all posts

Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Fiddler on the Roof, Chichester Festival Theatre | Review


Fiddler on the Roof
Chichester Festival Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday August 1st 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★


It's not often that I venture out of London for theatre but when I do it's usually to Chichester and so far I've never been disappointed with a production. Of the various shows I've seen there, Fiddler on the Roof is by far the best and I am completely in awe of its brilliance. If I Were A Rich Man, I would fund this productions transfer to the West End right this minute, but as I'm not I will have to settle with the fact that the show, directed by Daniel Evans is absolutely fantastic so is more than likely to make the move without me... I'll just have to wait a little while.



Set in rural Tsarist Russia in 1905 when the first hints of revolution are revealing themselves, we follow Tevye who is trying to preserve tradition in the face of a changing world by marrying off his daughters. They, however, want to marry not for money but for love. In a time when Russia's Jews are facing incredible hardships where tradition is one of the few things keeping them together, Tevye has to decide whether his daughters' happiness is more important than his adored traditions. 



Omid Djalili was born to play the poor dairyman, Tevye. His masterful comedic timing is pure excellence but he also manages to capture his internal torment and external hardships perfectly. Djalili is able to involve the audience with every thought that goes through his head and makes sure that every side of the Festival Theatre gets to feel and see the emotion. Tracy-Ann Oberman is great as his wife, Golde, with her caustic personality the ideal contrast to the bright, humorous Tevye. 


Emma Kingston (Hodel) and Louis Maskell (Perchik)


The rest of the family are equally strong with the daughters each having clear personalities and being performed to the fullest. Simbi Akande as Tzeitel is sweet but strong, begging her father to allow her to marry the impoverished tailor, Motel (Jos Slovic). The pair work wonderfully together. Emma Kingston shows off her stunning voice as Hodel who falls in love with the forward thinking, Perchik played by Louis Maskell who has an equally beautiful voice which soared over every note perfectly in 'Now I Have Everything'. Particularly touching with the two was during the first Sabbath dinner when they kept subtly making eye contact with one another and we could see the first inklings of their romance. Rose Shalloo as Chava and Luke Fetherston as Fyedka have fantastic chemistry, showing their struggles with honesty and strength.



Lez Brotherston's design is bare and simplistic as it should be but transitions and evolves wonderfully to create the various settings and is able to establish feelings of both warmth and stark cold at various times. Alistair David's choreography is spectacular, lively and powerful. It unapologetically shows off Jewish tradition and does so in a extremely striking way; popping and dazzling from start to end. 



The entire cast are incredibly strong and this is as much an ensemble piece as it is a lead-led piece. Each moment when the cast come together- either in choreography or in close a cappella harmony- is magical.



I'm truly wowed by this production. My only little niggle is the accents at times, with some attempting and falling somewhat short but this is my only fault in an overall impeccable production. May it transfer and run for a very long time!

Fiddler on the Roof runs at the Chichester Festival Theatre until September 2nd 2017



photo credit: Johan Persson


Wednesday, 15 October 2025

UK Premiere of Daniel’s Husband Brings Award-Winning Off-Broadway Play to London Theatre


Plastered Productions has announced the full cast for the highly anticipated UK premiere of Michael McKeever’s Daniel’s Husband. The hit Off-Broadway play arrives at London’s Marylebone Theatre, directed by Alan Souza, and promises a deeply emotional exploration of love, identity, and conviction.

The acclaimed cast includes three-time Olivier Award winner David Bedella (& Juliet), Luke Fetherston (Big Mood), Raiko Gohara (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Joel Harper-Jackson (Cock), and Olivier winner Liza Sadovy (Cabaret). Together, they will bring to life McKeever’s powerful examination of relationships, choices, and the human heart.

At its core, Daniel’s Husband follows Daniel and Mitchell, a couple whose seemingly perfect life is shattered by an unexpected crisis. As their love is tested, the play delves into the meaning of commitment, the fragility of security, and what it truly means to be a family.

Originally debuting in the US to critical acclaim, Daniel’s Husband has won multiple awards and captivated audiences with its honesty and emotional impact.

Plastered Productions shared that they chose the play as their inaugural London production to “inspire reflection on love, morality, and connection.”

A moving addition to the London theatre landscape, Daniel’s Husband invites audiences to confront both the beauty and complexity of love.