MAZEL Tovs and marriages abound in Joseph Stein’s celebrated story of Russian villagers perpetually caught between a rock and a hard place.

The action centres around Tevye, a humble milkman who, despite his wry grumblings, always tries to do the best by his family and the Jewish faith they cling to.

Steve Tearle takes on the lead role with limitless charisma. An exemplary dad dancer, he shines as the family’s ‘papa’, putting his foot down most forcefully in the dances that make this show such a folk spectacle.

This results in frequent scene changes, handled by projecting an image on to the theatre screen, but neither the images nor the lighting are strong enough to make this an effective fix. A forgivable flaw made up for by a sizeable cast of all ages who are energetic at every turn, even if the dubious Russian accents sometimes get confused with Northern ones.

Director Ann McCreadie even gets involved as village matchmaker Yente. A delight to watch, she hobbles on-stage to pair off Tevye’s daughters with suitors who don’t suit at all. Cue the Tailor, Motel, a high-pitched and anxious adolescent who eventually plucks up the chutzpah to challenge tradition. Martin Lay hits his stride as Motel when he finally breaks into song, revealing a surprisingly strong voice highlighting the transition from boy to man.

Further vocal peaks come courtesy of Emma Craggs, Mark Simmonds and a booming Alastair Jennings. Such performances, supported by a versatile ensemble make for a riotous and entrancing production.

Fiddler On The Roof, New Earswick Musicals, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, tonight, 7.30pm, and tomorrow, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk

Review by Joel Down