We are delighted to announce that Claire Sweeney is headlining our Cinderella Christmas Pantomime playing fan favourite, The Fairy Godmother!
Originally from Liverpool, Claire has graced our TV screens for many years and is renowned for her fabulous theatre/musical productions nationwide such as ‘Chicago’ and ‘Guys & Dolls’, playing opposite Patrick Swayze. She has most recently been seen on stage starring in productions such as ‘Crazy For You’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘Hairspray’. Prior to this she toured with the sell-out show; ‘Sex in Suburbia’, which she also co-wrote. Claire also hosts popular radio shows on both Magic and BBC Radio Merseyside.
I started off at the Southport Youth Theatre when I was 14 and my day’s out every Sunday were to Southport to the Bold Hotel for a roast dinner, so Southport holds a really special place in my heart. I won my first talent contest at this very theatre when I was 14, pretending to be 16, so it’s a very sentimental place for me so to be coming back to do pantomime is absolutely lovely.
– Claire Sweeney
The pantomime will run from 10th December 2021 until 2nd January 2022 and be produced by internationally renowned Theatre production company LHK Productions, who have for over 15 years’ experience creating outstanding shows and musical productions worldwide. You can expect a fun and heart-warming show with a modern twist, full of dancing, singing and some enchanting surprises – the perfect Christmas family show.
‘The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and we are hugely excited to be working with LHK productions again after the overwhelming success of last years’ show. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Claire to The Atkinson stage, she is undoubtedly a natural at pantomime with her humour and stunning vocals. This year is going to be really special, we can’t wait to share some festive magic and wonderful memories with our audiences!’
– Marie Kenny, Performing Arts Programme Manager
Joining Claire Sweeney on stage at The Atkinson will be Michael Chapman (Liverpool’s favourite Dame), Lewis Pryor (Britain’s Got Talent 2016), Southport’s Tom Burroughs and Holli Jo Bradley (choreographer). The full cast list will be announced over the next few weeks.