The critically praised new production of the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof, which won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, will visit The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this autumn. The celebrated show, known for its powerful emotion and new take on the story, runs for only one week in November 2025 as part of a major UK and Ireland tour.
This major revival started at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and has thrilled critics and audiences since its first run. Its success at the Olivier Awards confirmed it as an important new version of the beloved show, taking home three main honours. Kent audiences now have a rare chance to see this award-winning production of Tevye’s famous story, directed by Jordan Fein, live on a local stage.
The show runs at The Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday, 11 November to Saturday, 15 November 2025. This run is near the end of the production’s long national tour, which includes cities like Manchester, Eastbourne, and Cardiff. Given the show’s popularity, tickets are expected to sell quickly.
The musical, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, tells a timeless story set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka, Imperial Russia, in 1905. It focuses on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his efforts to keep his family’s religious and cultural Tradition alive. This task becomes harder as his three oldest daughters challenge his beliefs by choosing their own husbands. Tevye’s personal struggles happen as the world around him changes and the Czar’s anti-Jewish policies threaten his community.
Olivier Success Shows Creative Team’s Strength
Director Jordan Fein, known for his work on the hit staging of Oklahoma! at the Young Vic, leads the creative team. Fein’s version of Fiddler on the Roof stood out for its raw, immediate feeling, which strongly connected with audiences. The production quickly gained huge praise, becoming the fastest-selling show ever at the Regent’s Park venue.
The show’s critical success led to multiple wins at the 2025 Olivier Awards.
The production secured three honours:
- Best Musical Revival
- Best Set Design, awarded to Tom Scutt
- Best Sound Design, awarded to Nick Lidster
Scutt’s set design, which used a field of wheat in the original outdoor run, was carefully adjusted for the indoor transfer. This ensures the touring production keeps the vulnerable community feeling that made the first staging special.
Critics Praise Deep Emotion and Fresh Style
Critics across the board praised the way this production handles the musical’s mix of comedy, sadness, and powerful social message.
- London Theatre celebrated the staging, stating, “Jordan Fein’s revival raises the roof once again.”
- The Times called the production “A simply glorious revival.”
- The Daily Telegraph described the show as “a masterclass in balancing innovation and tradition,” noting the careful mix of respecting the original work while giving it a fresh, modern feel.
- The Guardian observed that the work “always soars in performance and this version demonstrates its depth,” reflecting on how strongly the production connects to modern issues of people being forced from their homes.
Meet the Key Cast for the Tour
Matthew Woodyatt takes the lead role of Tevye for the tour. Woodyatt plays the deeply human milkman whose talks with God and struggles with his family drive the show’s emotion.
He stars with Jodie Jacobs as Tevye’s firm and quick-witted wife, Golde, and Olivier Award nominee Beverley Klein as the famous matchmaker, Yente. Klein received an Olivier nomination for her work in this role.
Other principal cast members include:
- Natasha Jules Bernard as the eldest daughter, Tzeitel.
- Georgia Bruce as Hodel.
- Hannah Bristow as Chava.
Julia Cheng’s admired movement and choreography are a key part of the production, especially in the complicated traditional dances, such as the famous bottle dance by the male ensemble. Raphael Papo, an Olivier Award nominee, returns as The Fiddler, whose violin music serves as a symbol alongside Tevye’s fight.
The Long-Lasting Story and Music
Fiddler on the Roof features one of the best musical scores ever written for the stage. This revival shows off its power with exciting performances of songs that everyone knows.
These classic numbers include:
- ‘If I Were A Rich Man’
- ‘Tradition’
- ‘Matchmaker’
- ‘Sunrise, Sunset’
The story is ultimately about not giving up – about a father trying to balance his love for his children with his spiritual duty, and a community fighting to keep its history when they face being forced out of their homes. The show’s serious, moving ending offers a timely and powerful piece of theatre, making audiences think about cultural change and the search for a safe home.
Canterbury Performance Details
The Marlowe Theatre visit is a highlight of the 2025 season, giving Kent audiences a chance to see a top-level, award-winning musical.
Performance Schedule at The Marlowe Theatre:
| Day | Date | Time |
| Tuesday | 11 November 2025 | 7:30pm |
| Wednesday | 12 November 2025 | 2:30pm & 7:30pm |
| Thursday | 13 November 2025 | 2:30pm & 7:30pm |
| Friday | 14 November 2025 | 7:30pm |
| Saturday | 15 November 2025 | 2:30pm & 7:30pm |
The performance runs for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one break. Because of the serious topics (like people being forced from their homes and anti-Jewish themes), the show is generally recommended for theatregoers aged 12 and over.
