Fiddler on the Roof is an excellent choice for MLOS to help celebrate its 60th anniversary. There is much to commend it in every theatrical aspect. The cast has been chosen well with all the solo characters singing in good voice and acting in character.

An arresting opening scene with Eleanor Collins (the Fiddler) sitting on the roof playing and Robert Wilson (Tevye), set the standard for the evening. Suitable accents were adopted and sustained and any humour within the libretto was always emphasized clearly.

Robert Wilson's performance deserves many plaudits: from the moment he appeared on stage he was in persona, thinking, singing and moving as the Jewish Tevye. His solo If I Were A Rich Man was truly outstanding.

Elizabeth Upson (Golde) was the ideal wife for him and their duet Do You Love Me? was both amusing and sad. Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava - the three daughters - acted by Mantha Pritchard, Sarah Ditchburn and Natalie Long were attractive and convincing. Ruth Jeffries as the Matchmaker, David Upson as Lazar Wolf, Chris Love as Motel and Paul Hutton as Perchik contributed considerably with their fine portrayals.

The chorus of Russian villagers was costumed in sombre muted colours, and sang with feeling in Tradition and most expressively in Sunrise, Sunset.

Choreography, including disciplined Russian dance steps, was devised carefully and the lighting was enhancing. Stage props were minimal with one unit of scenery which could be transformed (it was rather shaky on the first night!). The small orchestra, under Charles Pavey, was first class.

Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Rob Holcroft, continues until tomorrow (Saturday).

Jill Hopkins