He is not usually in the habit of dressing as a nun, but Norwich Theatre Royal chief executive Peter Wilson has been donning holy attire to promote a divine challenge.

To coincide with Sister Act coming to Norwich from April 17 to 28, the theatre wants to break the Guinness world record for the largest number of people dressed as nuns in one place. The current record is 250, and the theatre wants as many people as possible to get involved in the challenge on Wednesday.

Mr Wilson said: 'Come along, because you'll be surrounded by other nuns and you'll have a really cracking evening. 'If we get in the Guinness Book of World Records, just think you'll get to point to the page where you were dressed as a nun!'

When asked about his holy dress, Mr Wilson joked: 'Well it's my normal outfit actually! 'I'm not a fan of man-made fibres but the costume I was wearing was incredibly comfortable, very light and very flattering. Anybody that wants to come along and help make the world record will be very comfortable dressed up as a sister.'

Each participant must be dressed in a holy habit, white coif and black veil to qualify. People can hire or buy costumes from Top Hat and Costume World in Norwich, or make their own.

• The record attempt will be on Wednesday, April 18 at 6pm and people can just turn up on the day.