A divine challenge has been set for people to take part in a world record-breaking attempt at one of Norwich's theatres.

Sister Act – the hit musical based on the Whoopi Goldberg film – is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal this month and to celebrate, the theatre hopes to smash the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people dressed as nuns in one place.

The theatre is calling for as many people as possible to don a nun's habit and join members of the Sister Act cast and Theatre Royal staff for the challenge.

It will take place in the theatre's auditorium on Wednesday, April 18, and the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, and BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Stephen Bumfrey will also be there on the day to act as Guinness World Record adjudicators.

John Bultitude, from the theatre, said: 'We haven't had Sister Act at the Theatre Royal before so we wanted to do something quirky to celebrate the show coming to Norwich, and I don't think there has ever been a Guinness World Record broken at the theatre either, so we thought why not combine the two and go for this divine challenge?

'If you want to be a record-breaker then this is your chance.'

Mr Bultitude said currently the record stands at 250, and the theatre hopes up to 1,000 people will take part in the record breaking attempt.

He said: 'Where better than Norwich Theatre Royal to host a challenge involving lots of people dressing up in costumes?

'So we're asking people across the area to get in the habit of telling their friends to come along and get involved in what is sure to be the start of a divine night out.'

People can just turn up on the day and do not have to have a ticket for Sister Act to take part in the world record attempt, but they must be wearing a habit, white coif and black veil, dark trousers and dark shoes to qualify. People will need to source their own nun outfit.

Sister Act is at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday, April 17 until Saturday, April 28.

The musical comedy tells the story of what happens when disco diva Deloris Van Cartier is put into protective custody in a convent after witnessing a murder, and how she goes on to transform the convent choir into the most glorious musical act in town.

Packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco, the show stars Michael Starke (Sinbad from Brookside and Mrs Turnblad from last year's stage run of Hairspray) and Denise Black (Denise Osbourne from Coronation Street).

The Guinness World Record attempt is due to start at 6pm on Wednesday, April 18.

For more information about Sister Act and to book tickets visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

Are you involved in a new Guinness World Record attempt? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk