Try choreographing a tap dance routine using Zimmer frames and you’ll have some idea of the task Finchley local Amanda Noar has taken on with her latest theatrical production.

The mum-of-three is putting the final touches to her theatre company’s rendition of the comic musical The Producers, set to open at North Finchley’s artsdepot later this month.

“I would say that this show is probably the most ambitious we have done to date,“ says Amanda, who runs Impact amateur theatre company.

She continues: “It’s a big, big show. Learning a dance on Zimmer frames – it’s been hilarious. We’ve only had a couple of accidents on them, nothing too serious!“

The well-loved Mel Brooks musical about a pair of theatrical producers who aim to get rich off the back of a Broadway flop is a fun-filled romp, which 50-year-old Amanda says has been “hysterical“ to rehearse.

But the run at artsdepot, which has seen several other Impact productions over the years, will also carry a serious undertone with a charity collection for children’s bereavement charity Grief Encounter (which help children whose parents have died).

Manchester-born Amanda says: “I unfortunately know a couple of people who have had to use their services, and they are truly an amazing charity.“

Amanda’s ex-husband, Neil Morrissey, who is a patron of Impact and frequently comes along to rehearsals, will be at the gala opening to support fund-raising for the Finchley-based charity.

“He’s my ex-husband so he doesn’t get much choice in the matter,“ jokes Amanda, who has one son, 25-year-old Sam, with Neil.

She continues: “When he comes to rehearsals he’s great with the company. He did do amateur theatre as well so he understands where they’re coming from and also where it can lead to. A lot of them do go on to do really good stuff.“

This is a milestone year for Impact, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The former West End star remembers: “It actually started with the rabbi at my synagogue in Hendon. He knew I was involved in the business so he said: ’Would you start a little group?’

“It wasn’t big at all, and we did a little show there. Then we did another one and the group got a bit bigger and by the third time that we went to do another show – suddenly there were 30 people.“

Impact now provides a platform for amateur and semi-professional actors, young and old, to perform, and Amanda says the group has taken on a community feel.

“We’ve had fantastic friendships, we’ve had relationships, and we’ve had a marriage,“ she explains. “It really is like a little Impact community.“

But juggling the many responsibilities that come with her Impact duties as director and choreographer is not easy for the full-time-mum to Lia, 13, and Joel, 17.

The actress says: “It’s busy, it’s lively and it does kind of take over my whole life. Especially at this time when it’s close to performing. We had a side-extension built onto my house just to house the costumes. It’s fantastic in there – all the sequins!

“Joel has been helping backstage at the shows for the past three years. Lia is going to be helping backstage this time. They’re also very, very involved.“

Working in theatre at such a young age is an experience Amanda shares with her children, as she forged her career on the stage as soon as she was able.

Inspired by her mum, who was a dancer, Amanda left home aged 12 to go to a boarding ballet school, but quickly realised the restrictive discipline was not for her.

When she turned 16, she immediately began looking for work and landed many stage and screen roles including Anita in the West End production of West Side Story.

At 17 she was invited to play a part in the 1983 film Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi as Jess, a musician in Jabba the Hutt’s palace.

“I didn’t have a large part at all in that, but the most fan mail that I get is through Star Wars,“ says the former Kensal Green resident.

She continues: “On a couple of occasions I have turned up to rehearsals in Finchley and there has been somebody waiting outside. They’ve always been very nice, but it is a bit creepy that people can find you wherever you are. It’s so bizarre.“

But Hollywood and fan mail aside, Amanda is looking forward to putting on The Producers in her home borough of Finchley. “I love the area, I absolutely do,“ she says.

“This company has been fantastic. They are so lovely, all very enthusiastic and they have a great time. It’s quite an extravaganza really.“

The Producers, artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, April 22 to 25, 7.30pm, Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. Details: 07770 914425, impacttheatre.org.uk