Tevye Gets The Upper Hand

by Marc Shoffman - Thursday 1st May 2008


Joe McGann is perhaps best known as live-in housekeeper Charlie Burrows in 1990s ITV sitcom the Upper Hand, but now the actor has swapped playing a handyman to star as a milkman in a touring production of Fiddler on the Roof.

McGann takes on the lead role of Tevye, made famous by Israeli thespian Topol, in the classic production at the New Wimbledon Theatre next week, but he told the Jewish News that other than growing a similar style beard, he has worked hard to make the part unique and foster his own Tradition.

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He said: “The toughest part of this role was making it my own and slaying the ghost of iconic performers like Topol. It has not been my intention nor would it ever be, to emulate or copy another actor’s performance. This is my interpretation and I’m proud of it.

“It is a different cast and staging than has ever been seen before. It is also more light-hearted.”

But McGann, whose wife Tamzin is Jewish, revealed that he does have links with the original West End production, “Geoff Locise, my father in law, was in the original London production with Topol. Tamzin says getting the part has been a blessing, almost as if we’d given him a grandchild.”

It is not the Hertfordshire based actor’s first time on stage. He recently starred as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and previously appeared in productions of Blood Brothers and Oliver. His latest role has already received rave reviews. Industry magazine The Stage said: “Joe McGann, playing Tevye, has given the milkman a certain manner that is instantly engaging and the delivery of his many witticisms is all but perfect.

“McGann’s singing voice may drift a little occasionally but, on the whole, this is as good a Tevye as anyone is likely to have seen.”

Meanwhile, Wimbledon residents were treated to a real-life fiddler on the roof last week after Jennifer Pike, the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, climbed on to the roof of the New Wimbledon Theatre to promote her appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto.

Despite a hatred of heights, the 18-year-old stood on top of the Grade II Edwardian building and posed for photographs almost 100ft above ground level. She said: “It wasn't as bad as I first expected, although I am looking forward to coming back to Wimbledon and not having to do it again.”

- Fiddler on the Roof, presented by UK Productions Ltd, is on at the New Wimbledon Theatre between Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th May. Tickets start from Ł12. Tickets are available from the theatre Box Office or by calling 0870 060 6646 or via the website at www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk. Booking fees apply.

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