The curtain is about to rise on Wells Little Theatre's production of Big Fish.

Based on the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film, Big Fish, starring Ewan McGregor, the musical tells the story of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.

Playing the lead role of Edward Bloom is Glynn Webster. "Big Fish is a journey of discovery using story-telling and fantasy," he said. "It's a really lovely musical, that takes you on a journey of emotions. There are some really uplifting moments, as well as some heart-wrenching moments too.

"Anyone who is familiar with the film will recognise some of the lines. It's very like the film, but with some lovely music!

"It's absolutely not a jukebox musical – the music is all original – but there are lots of different genres in there. There's something for everyone."

The production has been a long time coming. It was originally due to be staged back in spring 2020, but just weeks before curtain-up the country was put into lockdown and the performances had to be cancelled.

"We were just about to start the run," said Glynn. "We had put everything together.

"Unfortunately, some of the original cast weren't able to carry on, when we started back up again. But we have some fabulous new cast members, and they have brought fresh eyes to it.

"I've had it going round in my head now for two years. For me, it felt like unfinished business. Having done so much work, I felt like I needed to play the part.

"Edward Bloom is a great part to play, although it's very physically challenging because I'm on stage 90 per cent of the time. I like it though, because it means I don't get bored!"

The family relationship is a key part of the show, and backstage it's something of a family affair as well. Glynn's daughter, Elisha, is choreographer and his great-nephew plays a young Will Bloom (Edward's son). "It has been wonderful to watch my daughter work," said Glynn. "Fortunately I don't have too much dancing to do though, so she hasn't been able to boss me around too much! And it has been really nice working with my great nephew too."

And it isn't only Glynn with relatives among the cast either. There are several other cast members with children treading the boards alongside them too.

Although Big Fish might not be one of the most well-known musicals on the circuit, Glynn is keen to encourage people to come along and give it a go.

"It's a really lovely musical," he said. "And people need see it. If people don't come out and watch these lesser known shows then they just stay under the radar – and people won't get to hear all the wonderful music.

"People can come and just get lost in a musical story for a few hours and have a really, really enjoyable evening."

Big Fish runs from May 2-7. Tickets are available now from the Wells Little Theatre Box Office.