Joshua Gannon on his role in beloved musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of musical Fiddler on the Roof opens on 5 December and runs until 9 March.

Directed by Trevor Nunn, this most-beloved musical follows this joyous yet heart-breaking story featuring the classic songs “Sunrise, Sunset”, “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”.

Written by Joseph Stein Fiddler on the Roof is a musical set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia in 1905. Tevye (played by Andy Nyman) is a poor milkman and the father of five daughters.

He is trying to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions while outside influences affect the lives of him and his family. He also has three strong-willed older daughters, who wish to marry for love at a time when  arranged marriage was the norm.

Tzeitel (played by Molly Osborne) is one of Tevye’s daughters. Yente, the village matchmaker (played by Louise Gold) arrives to tell her mother Golde (Judy Kuhn) that Lazar Wolf, the wealthy butcher (Dermot Canavan), a widower older than Tevye, wants to wed Tzeitel, the eldest daughter. She wishes to marry her childhood friend, Motel the tailor played by Joshua Gannon.

The Artiscape spoke to Joshua Gannon about his upcoming role:

What attracted Gannon to the role of Motel?

“Having watched the film and stage production before I loved the ark of Motels story” he explains. “There is a real coming of age journey that the audience experience with [Motel]. The beautifully written music is still so iconic I leapt at the chance to be a part of this wonderful production!”

What does Gannon like about the character he play?

“I find him such an interesting character to play says Gannon. “There is a great strength in him and a real purity in his relationship with Tzeitel. He’s hardworking, honest, and above all will fight for what he believes in! All the qualities I’d aspire more to have in my own life!”

Gannon graduated from Guildford School of Acting 2017. Since graduating, his credits include Oklahoma! (Gordon Craig Theatre), Cilla – The Musical (UK tour) and The Wind in The Willows (London Palladium).

We asked him how he prepares for these types of roles?

To gain a deeper understanding of the role he explains, “I start all productions with a tonne of research [to get] to grips with the background context of the characters, the story and the world we create!”

“The more educated I feel walking into the rehearsal room the quicker I can get stuck in!” sasys Gannon.

What will the audience get from this production of Fiddler on the Roof?

“I think for a show based so long ago in such a different time it’s surprisingly current” observes Gannon. “With all the political challenges we face today prejudice is sadly still very ripe in our society. I hope audiences will be able to see all the similarities and recognise that families are still faced with the problems that arise in Fiddler on the Roof.”

Fiddler on the Roof opens on 5 December, with previews from 23 November, and runs until 9 March. Booking is open for supporters of the Menierwith public booking opening on 5 September.

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Dates:                                 23 November 2018 – 9 March 2019

Times:                                For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                        www.menierchocolatefactory.com 

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

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