If you think you know the musical Fiddler on the Roof then the latest production coming to Manchester later this month will change your mind.
The show is touring for the first time in 12 years and this version comes with real pedigree having scooped three Olivier Awards including that for Best Musical Revival. It began life at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre before moving on to the Barbican.
For Jodie Jacobs, who plays Golde, it’s a show which has not just impacted on audiences.
“I feel reconnected with something quite deep in me; something rooted in me,” she said. “It really is that special. I’m not overselling it I promise.
“I saw the show three times before I got in it; it is really in my opinion our generation’s most definitive version. Even if I wasn’t in it I would be saying that.”
A staple of amateur dramatics companies, Fiddler on the Roof is one of the classic musicals. Set at the turn of the last century, Tevye a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions at a time when intolerance and prejudice is rife.
His five daughters challenge all he holds dear as the world begins to change around him and his wife Golde has to try and help him through.
It features great songs including If I Were A Rich Man, Sunrise Sunset and Tradition.
“This production is just so clever,” said Jodie, who has starred in a number of West End productions including Evita, Fame and Little Shop of Horrors.
“It recreates what we thought we knew about Fiddler on the Roof but stays more true to the roots and the story.
“I keep saying it’s the sexiest version you’re ever going to see. It’s just like watching a film. It’s been contemporised but not spoiled; that’s the magic of a brilliant director and great storytellers. I’m very lucky who I’m on stage with. They are the most energising company I have ever worked with.
“Also I feel the story is so relevant, it’s so important and, do you know what? It’s so much fun. Who knew that such a bleak period in history could be so funny?”
The timing of the show’s visit to Manchester has been made all the more poignant by recent events.
“Yes it’s a show rooted in Jewish history and those struggles but it is relevant for any persecuted minority,” said Jodie. “It could be any religion.
“I’m the most Yiddish thing in it. It’s a folk tale that could easily transpose to any persecuted group and I hope it really shows that we are so desperately trying to create a larger and wider community.
Jodie has enjoyed being able to develop the role of Golde for the tour.
“The idea of a Jewish mother is a very particular trope,” she said. “But we have been very careful not to amplify that and instead been given licence to be fully rounded characters and people with feelings.
“To quote the director, Golde’s less shrew like. She’s there to be the ear and the rock and provide stability for her husband and daughters while everyone else is off being whimsical.
“I’ve really discovered parts of myself and I really want to be more Golde. She’s so very capable and so very grown up and dependable; those are lovely traits in anyone let alone a parent.”
Although the touring show is a very different version than audiences may expect it remains a very traditional musical.
“It is still a traditional musical in the sense that the songs drive a lot of the narrative,” said Jodie. “It just has a lot of story as well.”
Having played to packed houses around the country, Jodie is delighted to be bringing the show to Manchester.
“I love Manchester,” she said. “I’ve been there many times with shows. I think the last time was with Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder at Home and I’ve toured there with the Wedding Singer and twice with Footloose.
“But I also go to Manchester just to see shows. Come on, Manchester life? It’s the best.
“I actually think it’s got way more personality than London at the moment.”
Manchester’s large Jewish community adds another element to bringing the show to the city.
“The show is very important to Jewish communities which are going through a period of turmoil,” said Jodie. “Being Jewish is not an enormously safe thing to admit at the moment so it’s nice to be able to provide a focal point that’s not religious or educational, it’s something that is musical and fun and enjoyable and entertaining.
“But I also believe it’s a story that transcends its Jewishness. Our director describes it as a ghost story and I think that’s the most perfect way to describe it.”
A key figure in the show is the fiddler himself.
“The Fiddler is almost like a Shakespearean spirit,” said Jodie. “He’s been developed as a character and whatever you as an audience member believe he is, then he is. It’s a glorious addition to the story. Our two fiddlers are incredible musicians and for me it’s a gift to be able to stand next to them and listen to their artistry every night.”
Fiddler on the Roof is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from Tuesday, October 21 to Saturday, November 1. Details from www.atgtickets.com
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