Paul Michael Glaser, who made his name as a tough cop in TV’s Starsky And Hutch, almost emulates the legendary Topol in the starring role of uplifting musical Fiddler On The Roof.

At 71, Glaser tackles big songs such as If I Were A Rich Man with relish (if not perfect diction), as he captures impoverished Tevye’s warmth, guile and humour.

Perhaps Glaser’s success should not be a surprise because he played revolutionary student Perchik, alongside Topol, in the 1971 film.

This time he is the Jewish milkman in a Russian village, set in 1905, who has his beliefs in tradition rocked when his head-strong daughters insist on marrying for love instead of accepting the Matchmaker’s choice.

The first half, lasting almost two hours, would benefit from being cut, but the show deserved its standing ovation and it’s obvious why it became the longest running production on Broadway.

Director-choreographer Craig Revel Horwood gets the utmost from a multi-talented cast who play musical instruments to compensate for the lack of an orchestra.

Strong vocals are provided by Emily O’Keefe, Liz Singleton and Claire Petzal playing the rebellious daughters, while Karen Mann, as formidable wife Golde, and Jennifer Douglas, as The Fiddler, are also outstanding.