⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: AMTC Strikes the Right Chord Every Time.
Review by Ben Tuffin
Photograph Credit: Daniel Ghita & Front of House Photography – John Sheringham
I’m no seasoned theatre critic or West End reviewer – just a bloke who went to the theatre with another bloke, sat down with a bag of sweets, a beverage or three and got completely swept away. I’ll give you my honest take on the evening… and yes, we almost held hands. That’s how good it was.
I’ll be honest – going into Fiddler on the Roof, all I really knew was that there was, at some point, a man with a violin and a bit of dancing on rooftops. What I didn’t expect was to be taken on such an emotional, funny and beautifully delivered journey. Once again, AMTC have taken a story I’ve never met before and made it feel like an old friend.
Following the triumphs of Made in Dagenham and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Fiddler on the Roof was yet another first for me — and once again, it was Andover Musical Theatre Company who had the honour of popping my theatrical cherry of this classic.
Fiddler on the Roof is a story packed with tradition, heart, humour, and hardship — and AMTC handled every inch of it with flair and feeling.
This isn’t just me having a little moment in the stalls either — this show was incredible. A standing ovation well and truly earned.
This production is a clear reflection of the passion and care put in by director Bex Rungen, who handled the emotional depth of the show with great finesse. Under her guidance, the cast delivered performances filled with nuance and truth. Musical Director Neil Streeter deserves equal praise, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of vocals and instrumentation that elevated every scene.
Let’s talk cast — Martin Lambert as Tevye was simply outstanding. A performance of depth, humour, vulnerability and power. His comedic timing, inner conflict, and fatherly warmth were captivating, and his chemistry with Carol Robinson as Golde was beautifully believable — they squabbled with the ease of a couple who’ve been bickering for 25 years and still wouldn’t trade each other for the world.
Denyse Coles as Yente, the matchmaker with more nosiness than your auntie at a wedding, was a scene-stealer. She brought the laughs in all the right places and added a lovely warmth to the character.
The daughters — Loren Williams (Tzeitel), Millie Smith (Hodel), and Grace Aucamp (Chava) — were each sensational. They brought individuality to their characters while blending perfectly as a trio, and their emotional arcs were handled with genuine heart that took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
The supporting cast were on it from start to finish — you could see the passion, energy and pure love for the craft shining in every scene. The ensemble worked seamlessly, and the children involved? Brilliant. They genuinely did themselves proud, and in no way looked like they were just here for the interval snacks.
The singing? Sublime. The choreography? Sharp. The accents? Spot-on. The sense of community and struggle? Palpable. The entire production? Professional and polished to the nines.
I brought our photographer, Daniel Ghita, along — this was his first ever play (what a way to start!) and he was absolutely blown away. He said:
“This is one of the most beautiful bits of creative art I’ve witnessed since moving to the UK.”
He’s not wrong.
He added, “A vibrant evening at The Lights on Wednesday 21st as Andover Musical Theatre Company delivered a stunning performance with Fiddler on The Roof. With powerful vocals, sharp choreography and charming energy, the cast captivated the audience, setting a high standard for the show’s run.”
Honestly, I couldn’t have put it better myself. Except I would’ve added a joke about fiddling with the lights, but he’s new here, we’ll let him settle in.
The Lights Theatre in Andover once again proved why it’s such a gem in our town. It’s a brilliant venue – intimate enough to feel every emotion, but big enough to create real atmosphere. The staff and volunteers were nothing short of fantastic, offering a warm welcome, big smiles, and even bigger tubs of ice cream. Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or just tagging along for a night out, the team at The Lights make sure your experience is top class from the moment you step through the doors.
In short: AMTC have done it again. They don’t just put on a show — they transport you. From 1960s Essex to glittery drag buses to the heart of Anatevka, this group keep proving that theatre in Andover is alive, thriving, and full of talent.
Book your tickets. Take your nan. Take your neighbour. Take your entire book club. Take a beardy man. Just don’t miss this. Bravo, AMTC.
