MALVERN Light Opera Society celebrates its diamond anniversary with a production of the well-loved musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Set in 1905, in a small Jewish village in Tzarist Russia, the story revolves around the dairyman Tevye and his attempts to preserve his family's traditions in the face of a changing world.

The leading role, made famous by Topol in the film of the story, will be taken by Robert Wilson, who has worked with amateur companies throughout the Midlands for 53 years.

He has performed or directed for 14 different societies and directed nine MLOS shows.

Tevye is a devout but humorous man and an upholder of the traditions, one of which is that papa should choose husbands for his daughters with the help of the matchmaker and the approval of his wife.

Tevye's wife, Golde, is played by Betty Upson, herself a member of MLOS for 27 years. In that time, Betty has taken many principal roles, such as Mrs Mullins in Carousel, and has also been a member of the Kays Theatre Group.

When Tevye's eldest daughter, Tzeitel, begs him to let her marry a poor tailor rather than the middle-aged butcher that he has chosen for her, Tevye must choose between his own daughter's happiness and those beloved traditions that keep the outside world at bay.

In fact, his three eldest daughters all wish to marry the men they love instead of loving the men tradition says they must marry.

Meanwhile, there are other forces at work, dangerous forces which threaten to destroy the very life he is trying to preserve.

Fiddler on the Roof allows us to witness the oppression and political upheaval that eventually reaches the Jewish village.

The humour and emotion of this musical play has been brought to the fore by director Rob Holcroft, as the characters wrestle with their faith, traditions and love.

Charles Pavey is the musical director, bringing to life the show's famous songs which include Tradition, Matchmaker, Sunrise Sunset and, of course, If I Were A Rich Man.

Fiddler on the Roof is on at Malvern Festival Theatre from March 18-22. Tickets are on sale at the box office on 01684 892277.