FEW stage roles are more demanding than the one of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

But Will Long excelled as the poor milkman in Hexham Amateur Stage Society’s offering of the classic musical last week.

The Queen’s Hall stage in Hexham was transformed into 1905 Russia, where Tevye lived with his wife and daughters in the town of Anatevka.

One of the society’s newest stars, experienced actor Will was at the heart of several emotionally-charged scenes and songs, and narrated the play with aplomb throughout.

Clair Applegarth played his on-stage wife Golde, and was equally impressive as the couple led the family through a series of struggles. This included a ‘bad dream’ scene, in which Golde’s grandmother returns from the dead to tell the couple not to marry-off their eldest daughter Tzeitel to lonesome butcher Lazar Wolf (Steve Mobbs).

In the end, Tzeitel (Hayley Olsen) marries her long-term suitor, the poor tailor Motel (Stu Rutherford), and the couple were a shining example of wedded bliss.

Forward-thinking student Perchik (Liam Olsen) used the stage to get across his idealistic views on the world before falling in love, and marrying, Tevye’s second daughter, Hodel (Niamh Geddes).

Third daughter Chava (Ruby Corder) was also married, this time to villager Fyedka (Finn McKendrick).

Constable (Neil Richardson) warned that trouble may lie ahead, and village life was disrupted by demonstrations from the Russians (Pete Bayley, Peter Cooke, and William Tyson).

Other gems included the Rabbi (James Bowyer); Mordcha the inn keeper (Will Green); Avram (Mike Routledge); Fruma-Sarah (Selina Mankin); Shandel (Jannette Griffin); Grandma Tzeitel (Cecile Durkin); Yente (Berol Amos); and Shprintze (Iona MacGregor).

With dramatic music and sound effects from an exceptional live orchestra and choir, scenes and songs held the audience captivated.

There were many stars of the future, including the acrobatic Dancers Terpsichore – Harry Westlake, Joshua Dronfield, Curtis Johnson, and Jake Bradbury – and violinist William Tyson as the fiddler.

Niamh Geddes’ vocals were a real highlight, and she delivered a tearful solo of Far from the Home I Love.

The three on-stage sisters combined for Matchmaker Matchmaker, while the play’s big star, Will Long, as Tevye, raised a few smiles with If I Were A Rich Man.

There are far too many names to mention, including singers made up of mamas, papas, daughters and sons.

Director Mari Stewart and all at HASS involved with Fiddler on the Roof, can be proud of a very professional performance.