SCENE changes were a mite too protracted, threatening to break continuity, but there was precious little else to fault in a show that combined fine direction (from Poppy Garvey), an ingenious set, splendid costumes, good chorus work, an outstanding orchestra (musical director David Andrews) and an impressive principal line-up.
Fiddler centres around milkman Tevye, whose frequent conversations with God are the source of much of the show’s humour, and Richard Bennett’s wonderfully laconic portrayal and impeccable timing made him an excellent choice for the role.
He was well supported by his ‘family’, notably Chrissie Peckham as wife Golde and daughters Tzeitel (Niki Price), Chava (Danni Maskell), Shprintze (Victoria Richardson), Bielke (Kelly Shults) and especially Hodel (a deeply moving Michelle Heming). Among the supporting cast Anne Maynard gave a delightful characterisation as Yente, the Matchmaker, as did Andy Steeds as shy, retiring Motel, the Tailor.
One of the evening’s undoubted highlights was the excellent ‘dream’ scene, with a couple of excellent ‘ghosts’ in the form of Val Garner (Grandma Tzeitel) and Jane Howell (Fruma Sarah), and I was also particularly impressed with the setting of the well-deserved curtain calls.
Mazeltov, RMDS. You’ve done it again.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo

Director Poppy Garvey made perfect casting decisions with this magnificent production and brought the whole show to a professional level.
Richard Bennett truly lived the leading role of Trevye, perfecting the tired peasant style of movement, the Jewish accent, the endearing humour and had even grown his own beard for authenticity.
Chrissie Peckham, playing Tevye's wife Golde, gave a natural performance and Andy Steed was amusing as the nervous Motel, developing his character's confidence after Tevye's acceptance for him to marry Tzeitel. The enchanting voices of Niki Price and Michelle Heming (daughters Tzeitel and Hodel) added to their delightful characters.
I had perhaps two favourite scenes which were particularly splendid in atmosphere and production, the first being in the inn with Lazar Wolf (Sam Coleman) asking Tevye for his daughter's hand in marriage with the rousing, exciting song and dance 'To Life'; and the second being the bedroom and dream scene. Tevye and Golde's late night chat was hilarious and the ghost of Lazar Wolf's wife, Fruma Sarah (Jane Howell), was beautifully dramatic. The props in this scene were excellent.
For its sheer power and the ability to totally capture the audience, throwing it from poignant empathy to enchanted laughter, Fiddler on the Roof has to be yet another triumph to notch up for this respected company.

S.M. (courtesy of the Christchurch Community Magazine)

Click HERE for photos of some of the cast.