THE chance to star in a gripping and emotional new musical just half an hour from his hometown was a chance David Hunter could not turn down.
The West End actor is set to star in the lead role as The Time Traveller’s Wife is staged at the Storyhouse in Chester later this month.
The 37-year-old, who was born in Padgate and grew up in Stockton Heath, will be known to many through making the semi-final in ITV’s Superstar competition a decade ago.
Since then, he has performed in musical hits including Waitress, Kinky Boots and One Man, Two Guvnors, as well as in the film Nativity 3 and in BBC TV’s Holby City and Doctors.
The Time Traveller’s Wife sees Henry (David) and Clare (Joanna Woodward) meet, flirt, fight, love and marry – but all out of order.
David Hunter in rehearsals with Joanna Woodward and composer Dave Stewart
Henry is often and uncontrollably ripped out of time, but he always comes back for his wife.
The musical, based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger, also weaves with a heart-breaking and soaring original musical score by multi Grammy Award-winning composers Joss Stone and Dave Stewart.
“The musical is about all the highs and lows of every relationship, with the added complication of Henry time travelling and losing his clothes in the process,” explained David, who now lives with wife Tara and children Rufus and Heidi near London.
“It means there is lots of running around nearly naked for me and quick costume changes.
“We are muddling through at the minute, putting things together to make a great piece of theatre. I think it is going to be really spectacular, and I am really excited for the next few weeks.
“The effects for disappearances and the costume changes are brilliant, and it is just a case of getting it all in my head and remembering it all before people get to see it.
“The show is going to be a brilliant emotional rollercoaster for people – a lot of fun, tears, laughing and crying, with great music to get you out of your seat and brilliant visual effects.”
Former Bruche Primary and Bridgewater High School pupil David says he is loving being back home in Stockton Heath.
“With it being in Chester, it is lovely for me being half an hour away from home,” he added.
“I have not performed in the north west for around a decade now, and the fact I get to stay at home with my mum is a bonus.
The whole cast of The Time Traveller's Wife
“When I reached the semi-final of ITV’s Superstar 10 years ago, people supported me across Warrington, and that took my career to a new place.
“I went on to do a lot more musicals and West End after that, but I still love Warrington and love to come back. It feels like home when I step off the train at Bank Quay.”
The show will be staged at the Storyhouse in Chester between September 30 and October 15, preceding a West End transfer to be announced at a later date.
For further information and to buy tickets, visit storyhouse.com/event/the-time-travellers-wife
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here