Exclusive interview by Andrew Brown
Singing sensation Claire Sweeney is excited to be going “full circle” as she performs in the Cinderella pantomime in Southport – at the theatre where she first launched her musical career.
Claire has enjoyed a stellar career over the years, wowing fans in a variety of roles.
She famously played Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4 TV soap Brookside; Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in London’s West End; and opposite Patrick Swayze in the 2005 West End revival of Guys and Dolls, the musical.
She was the original presenter of 60 Minute Makeover, released an album, Claire, which reached number 15 in the UK album charts, and was a panellist on Loose Women.
But she began her stage career as a teenager with Southport Youth Theatre, performing plays at what was then known as Southport Arts Centre (now The Atkinson).
From this Friday (10th December), Claire can’t wait to return to the venue as the Fairy Godmother in the LHK Productions version of the Cinderella Christmas Pantomime.
The show runs until Sunday, 2nd January 2022.
Claire said: “I can’t wait! The last time I did Cinderella I was 17, and I was the Principal Boy.
“So it’s nice first of all to be back here at The Atkinson Theatre .
“I was a member of the Southport Youth Theatre many, many years ago with the fabulous Suzy Stocker (now Suzy Walker).
“I did a couple of summers here and I loved it!
“I was singing in clubs, I was 14. I wanted to be in musical theatre. I thought I needed to get some practice, doing a part or something, and I joined the Southport Youth Theatre.
“So I spent every day in the summer here for two years.
“We did Hair The Musical, Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend, and yes I remember that I spent many, many hours here.
“And it’s great to be back. I mean it doesn’t look a lot different really.
“And also Cinderella – I haven’t done this show for many years. It’s going to be lovely playing the Fairy Godmother with real life ponies, and a great, talented cast, and such a great production company as well. I am thrilled!
“It’s such a fabulous location as well. I can’t wait to be near home.”
Claire also has a great love of Southport, a seaside town where she had many happy memories as she was growing up.
She said: “I am thrilled to be in Southport. I used to come here every Sunday as a kid, we used to have lunch in The Bold Hotel. It was very posh, wasn’t it!
“Every year I go to The Vincent Hotel as well.
“Do you remember the shoe shop they used to have on Lord Street? Tommy Ball’s? They used to do the cheap shoes? I used to come for them as well.
“So Southport has a really special place in my heart and I feel my life has come full circle to come back here.”
People are invited to bring the whole family to see Cinderella, a spellbinding new Christmas pantomime staged at The Atkinson’s theatre.
Cinderella, her wicked Stepmother, the jealous stepsisters, the loveable Buttons, a dreamy Prince Charming and of course Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother will all be making an appearance onstage.
You can expect to see some famous faces in this traditional panto with a modern twist, with actress, singer and TV personality Claire Sweeney starring as the Fairy Godmother.
Joining Claire on stage are regular panto pros Mia Molloy (Mam, I’m Ere!) as Cinderella, Lewis Pryor (Britain’s Got Talent) as Buttons, Alex Patmore (Blood Brothers) as Prince Charming as well as Tom Burroughs (local Southport actor) and Michael Chapman (Beloved Panto Dame) as The Ugly Sisters.
Will Cinders escape the clutches of her ugly step sisters and live happily ever after? The only way to find out is to join audiences at The Atkinson this Christmas for another panto extravaganza!
LHK Productions is one of the most acclaimed theatre and pantomime production companies in the UK and promises a spellbinding experience with a professional cast, live orchestra, lavish sets and exquisite costumes.
For tickets please visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Click here to join the Cinderella Facebook Event for regular updates.
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