The New Theatre opened its doors last night to one of the most anticipated productions of the season. The arrival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has been circled in the diaries of many theatre fans across South Wales, and judging by the crowds spilling into the foyer before curtain up, the demand for tickets has more than matched the excitement. It has already earned a reputation for selling out across the UK, and Cardiff looks set to continue that trend.
At the heart of this production is MATTHEW WOODYATT, taking on the iconic role of Tevye. For local audiences there is something especially satisfying about seeing a Newport born and Cwmcelyn raised actor leading such a major touring musical. Matthew delivers a performance full of warmth, humour, and genuine emotional weight. From his first entrance he feels completely at home onstage, capturing Tevye’s mix of stubborn pride and tender vulnerability. His conversations with God, spoken with a weary shrug or a hopeful lift of the eyebrows, drew warm laughter from the audience throughout the evening.
You can watch out interview with Matthew HERE.
Matthew is joined by fellow Welsh cast members SIÔN LLOYD as Mordcha the innkeeper and CARYS McQUEEN from Cwmbran. Siôn brings an easy charisma to the role, giving the inn scenes a lively spark that makes the ensemble feel rooted in a real, lived in community. Carys adds to that sense of authenticity with a confident presence that blends beautifully with the rest of the company. The Welsh trio stand out, not just because of local pride, but because they each deliver performances that feel honest and fully connected to the world of the show.
The set deserves its own round of applause. With its wooden frames, shifting rooftops, and clever use of space, it paints the village of Anatevka in a way that feels both rustic and poetic. We really don’t want to give anything away as the design is so unique. You’ll understand why the safety curtain is down when you arrive into the auditorium. The set represents an entire community bracing against the changing world around it. The design supports the story without overwhelming it, which allows the characters and the music to carry the emotional heart of the evening.
And the music is as rich and memorable as ever. The score has lost none of its power over the years. From the bold opening strains of ‘Tradition’ to the wistful farewell of ‘Anatevka,’ the songs feel timeless. The orchestra handles every moment with precision and warmth, giving the performers a strong foundation to build on. Matthew’s ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ was a crowd favourite, delivered with a delightful mix of grumbling humour and physical playfulness. The daughters’ songs were sung with clarity and charm, especially in the trio ‘Matchmaker,’ which brought a lovely energy to the first act.
The choreography is another highlight. Dance routines in Fiddler on the Roof can sometimes tip into spectacle for spectacle’s sake, but here they feel grounded in the characters and the culture they represent. The bottle dance, always a moment audiences look forward to, was performed with impressive control and fluidity. You could sense a shared breath in the room as each dancer balanced with practiced ease. The wedding scene, full of celebration and tension, had a rhythm that drew the entire audience into its rising emotional stakes.
What makes this production so effective is the way it balances joy with hardship. The humour lands consistently and naturally, but the quieter moments are given the space they deserve. Tevye and Golde’s duet ‘Do You Love Me?’ was a gentle standout, performed with a tenderness that felt earned after years of shared struggles. Later scenes, as the pressures facing the Jewish community close in, were met with an attentive silence from the audience. The emotional shift from laughter to reflection was handled with skill by the entire cast.
It is easy to see why this tour has collected a string of five star reviews. Everything feels carefully considered, from the performances and staging to the pacing and musical detail. Yet it never feels stiff or overly polished. Instead it carries the heartbeat of a story that has resonated for generations and continues to feel relevant.
For South Wales audiences, this is a production well worth seeing. The combination of outstanding performances, a strong Welsh presence, a beautifully crafted set, and unforgettable music makes for a moving and thoroughly enjoyable evening. Based on opening night, the rest of the week looks certain to draw enthusiastic crowds. If you can still find a ticket, take the opportunity. This is Fiddler on the Roof at its best.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is at the New Theatre in Cardiff through to Saturday 22nd November. Shows are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For more details and tickets go HERE.
You can read our show preview HERE.
