FIDDLER on the Roof is one of the finest, most moving, musical scripts that, once seen, will stay with you for the rest of your life.

With its haunting, vibrant music and thought-provoking, yet warm and genuinely funny dialogue it makes for a completely endearing show.

Great Witley Operatic Society are currently offering a fabulous interpretation of Fiddler at Worcester's Swan Theatre and director Chris Love has done a fantastic job with the company who all deserve praise for taking on a show, which in some ways is their most ambitious.

The musical is set in the Ukranian ghetto of Anatevka. Henpecked husband Tevye, the dairyman, is constantly being challenged by his poverty, the prejudicial attitudes of non-Jews and his five headstrong daughters who want to marry for love rather than having the local matchmaker find them husbands.

The opening scene sees the Fiddler, Jo Chambers, sitting high up in the eaves of a peasant's house. She starts to play that haunting melody which sends shivers down your spine.

The casting is great with Andrew Bartlett in the lead role as Tevye, giving an excellent performance in a very demanding part. He brings out the comedy, warmth and emotional anguish of the character and gives a powerful rendition of If I Were A Rich Man. Tevye and his wife Golde - played superbly by Bronwen Carless - have some delightful scenes, including the duet Do You Love Me.

The three marriageable daughters are outstandingly played by Christie-Laura Malpass (Tzeitel), Grace Moseley (Hodel) and Susannah Greenow (Chava). There is splendid singing by Grace, who is only 14 years old.

Special mention must go to Harry Ryan, who plays the poor but hardworking tailor Motel Kamzoil who loves, and later marries Tzeitel. His characterisation and singing are both excellent.

Cherril Watkins, who plays Fruma-Sarah, the ghost of Lazar Wolf's departed wife in the show-stopping dream scene also deserves praise as does Lazar Wolfe (Andrew Rawle), Yente, the matchmaker (Sylvia Craddock) and Perchik (Matt Parkinson).

The simple, but effective set, is also impressive and the orchestra adds to a lovely evening's entertainment. The show runs until Saturday, March 21.