YORK Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is introducing a new directing talent to York. Jeremy Tustin was born in the city but left at eight when his family moved south, and he now returns at 31 to direct Fiddler On The Roof.

Society chairman Jim Welsman says: "Jeremy was one of 26 applicants to do this show; we narrowed it to six and he was the final choice. We felt most of them had reached the top of their abilities and were going down the slippery slope, whereas Jeremy is on the way and hasn't yet peaked - and he was originally from York."

Jeremy recalls those formative years, and up pops a familiar name. "I started dancing at the age of five at the Isobel Dunn School of Dance, and what an influence she has been in York," he says.

Based in London, Jeremy directs musicals for amateur companies and teaches drama and singing for the Stagecoach training organisation. He has worked as a professional actor and singer in the West End but increasingly he is drawn to directing.

"I reached a certain point where I felt I got more from directing than acting, and having directed various societies in London and Middlesex, now it's time to spread out a bit," Jeremy says.

"It's nice to come back to my home city, especially as my mother Judy Wilbourne danced with this society in the 1970s, so I've completed a full circle of sorts."

Jeremy's production of Fiddler On The Roof runs at the Grand Opera House next week, and he is delighted to be directing this particular musical.

"I'd rather be doing 'Fiddler' for the first time than doing Half A Sixpence for a third time, as the chance to do this show doesn't come up very often because it's difficult piece," he says.

Consequently, he has put his cast through an intensive rehearsal period, Monday to Friday, at Woodthorpe School over the past six weeks.

The results can be seen from October 10 to 13, at 7.30pm nightly plus 2.30pm next Saturday. Tickets: £8 to £14; ring 01904 671818.