For the autumn production in its 90th year Longwood Amateur Operatic Society has brought in the big guns.

Experienced director Colin Harris, from Salendine Nook – a seasoned performer in his own right – and choreographer Lynn Clarkson, of Dalton, both of whom are well known to many local amateur companies, are aiming to give the chosen show, Fiddler on the Roof, the polish that audiences have come to expect from one of the area’s leading societies.

It is the first time Colin and Lynn have collaborated on the production of a show, but not the first time they have been involved in the same show.

Four years ago Lynn was the choreographer for Lindley Church Amateur Operatic Society’s King and I, in which Colin took the role of the king. And they have been in a production of Fiddler on the Roof together – in 1978 they were on stage in the Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society’s version, along with Colin’s wife Wendy.

This time around, with just a few weeks to go until opening night, on Tuesday, October 7, they are now rehearsing three times a week with the 40-strong cast.

Longwood Amateurs, which produced its first show, Iolanthe, in 1924, has performed Fiddler on the Roof only once before, back in 2000.

The production offers some challenges in that every member of the cast will have to learn dance routines, and financial constraints mean that Colin has to do what he can to keep costs to a minimum. “The scenery will be quite basic,” said Colin, “but we will make good use of areas of lighting. It can be much harder to put your stamp on a well-known show, so in many ways it will be quite traditional.”

Lynn too will be sticking closely to the original. “The whole concept of Fiddler on the Roof is the traditions,” she says.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre production will be something of a family affair for Lynn, who trained as a dancer.

Her two daughters, Gemma, 27, and Zoe, 24, will be in the production – playing daughters – and her husband David will be kept busy backstage.

Fiddler tells the story of Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives.

His three older daughters have each made a choice of husband that contradicts the customs of his faith, and the Tsar has issued an edict that evicts the Jews from their village.

Set in 1905, the musical is based on the book by Joseph Stein.

A popular production for amateur companies, Fiddler held the record for longest Broadway run after its opening in 1964 until it was surpassed by Grease.

In 1971 it became a highly-grossing film, starring Chaim Topol, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in the role of Tevye. The best-known song from the show is ‘If I Were a Rich Man.’

The Longwood production will have a live orchestra and is on until October 11, when there is also a matinee performance.

Tickets are available now from the Lawrence Batley Theatre box office, www.thelbt.org.uk or 01484 430528.