A fine time fiddling in a Valleys production

IN THE current political chaos, it is good to have something absolutely positive to write.

I was invited to the Beaufort Theatre in Ebbw Vale to see the Tredegar Operatic Society in conjunction with Colstars (Aberdare), who are currently puttng on a production of Fiddler on the Roof. With so much talk of anti-semitism current in the news, for those who don’t know the story, it is about Russian villages being cleared of Jews, told through the lives of one family, a poor peasant farmer with five daughters who all need husbands (poor Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice springs to mind) – but here it is traditionally the father’s responsibility, helped by a matchmaker.

What a fantastic performance from all concerned... They perfectly caught the spirit of old Russia, the wonderful choreography including traditional Russian dancing, the costumes and set were soft coffee and cream colours, like some old photograph of the event, and the voices were astounding. If I had paid to go to a London theatre I would not have been disappointed. Each character was carefully delineated and beautifully acted, the lighting incredible and a real story of the plight of these people being forced out of their homes on yet another Jewish dispersion into the unknown was faithfully created. Not a weak link... I personally loved the dear little rabbi and the tailor who was terrified to ask for the hand of the one daughter. I shall carry that little village in my head for a long time. The enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion tells you everything.

It is on Friday and Saturday. If you want to know what is worthwhile going on in the Valleys, I thoroughly recommend a trip. Judith Tonms Aberdare