On Sunday, October 11 it will be exactly 150 years to the day that Charles Dickens first visited Norwich to give a public reading. And to celebrate, Simon Callow, one of Britain's most popular stage and screen actors, will be making a very special appearance at the city's Maddermarket Theatre to raise funds for the EDP's We Care Appeal.

By TREVOR HEATON

On Sunday, October 11 it will be exactly 150 years to the day that Charles Dickens first visited Norwich to give a public reading.

And to celebrate, Simon Callow, one of Britain's most popular stage and screen actors, will be making a very special appearance at the city's Maddermarket Theatre to raise funds for the EDP's We Care Appeal.

'Dickens & Me: An Evening with Simon Callow' is a one-off show which will feature an abridged performance of his much-acclaimed show The Mystery of Charles Dickens, plus Simon talking about his career and his love of the literary legend.

Twice BAFTA-nominated, Simon Callow CBE is known to millions through his numerous film and television roles, including Amadeus, Shakespeare in Love, and as Gareth in Four Weddings and a Funeral. His many stage roles include The Mystery of Charles Dickens, and earlier this year he appeared at Norwich Theatre Royal - and then the West End - as Pozzo in Waiting For Godot. The actor is no stranger to Norwich, and has spoken of his love for the city.

He has long had a fascination with England's greatest novelist, even portraying Charles Dickens in an episode of Dr Who. He is also an accomplished director, reviewer and author, whose books include major biographies of Charles Laughton and Orson Welles.

Simon said: 'I'm delighted to have been able to help this excellent appeal, and sharing my lifelong love of Dickens. I love Norwich, the city and the people, so any opportunity to come back is welcome to me - and am especially thrilled to be performing on the stage of the wonderful Maddermarket Theatre, of which I am an admiring patron.'

Paddy Seligman, chairman of the EDP We Care Appeal, said: 'We are delighted that Mr Callow is able to find time in his very busy schedule to support We Care. We are enormously grateful to him, and both the Maddermarket Theatre and Peter Wilson of the Theatre Royal for helping to bring about this event.'

Tickets for the show - which will last around two hours, including interval - are �12.50 and are available now from the box office at Maddermarket Theatre, St John's Alley. Please note the show will start at 7pm.

Box office: 01603 620917

Look out for EDP Sunday on Saturday, October 10 for a special feature on the story of Dickens' Norwich performances.