MALE members of Malvern Light Opera Society are growing beards for their diamond anniversary production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Bob Wilson is one of more than a dozen cast members to grow facial foliage to play the role of Tevye, a traditional man who wants to marry off his three daughters but desperately wants to preserve the old ways.

Mr Wilson will be starring opposite Betty Upson who plays Tevye's wife Golder in the play which features hit numbers Matchmaker Matchmaker and If I Were a Rich Man.

Fiddler on the Roof was chosen because it provides the perfect roles for the older members of the cast, said MLOS committee member Sheila Scott.

But younger thespians have not been overlooked, and the stage opens with teenager Eleanor Collins, as the fiddler perched on a roof.

The production is directed by Rob Holcroft.

Fiddler on the Roof runs from tonight to Saturday, March 22 at Malvern Festival Theatre.

Tickets from £10 to £12 from the box office on 01684 892277.