THE fiddler of the title appears to be a metaphor for carefree survival in a world of toil and travail.

Certainly, this musical is built for endurance, having been around now since 1964 when the first Broadway production opened, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.

But had it been in need of revival – and on the face of it not everyone is that interested in what went on in a small traditional Jewish community in Tsarist Russia in 1905 – this sparkling version would be enough to give it the kiss of life.

On a crowded stage and among a tuneful cast approaching 50 in number, one man dominated proceedings – Ian Moorhouse playing the dairyman Tevye, the role immortalised by Topol in the 1971 movie.

As powerfully mellifluous of voice as he is accomplished as an actor, he held sway for almost three hours, chiding his Maker, bemoaning his fortune and, as narrator, enchanting his audience with his wit and wisdom.

But the support off-ered by Sheila Spencer, as his wife Golde, and Louise B Whyte, Amy Greenwood and Abigail Heavyside, as his three daughters of marriageable age, cannot be overstated, nor should their three ardent suitors, played by Tony Crabtree, Jai Jai Rider-Eikins and Dave Cockerham, be overlooked.

Finally, let's not forget the contribution of the Krylati Ukranian Dancers adding dash and colour, and the superb violin playing of Simon Matthews. It runs until Saturday.