Award-winning producers Paul Holman Associates present a new style of production this year at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing in which West End and TV star Claire Sweeney takes the role of the Ice Queen in Santa Claus The Musical from December 11 to January 5.
The glittering Christmas show had its world premiere at the Mayflower Theatre in 2005 from where it moved to Singapore and now returns to the south coast with the much-loved star in the lead role.
Claire’s career began in C4’s Brookside but it was perhaps her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother which won Claire a place in the nation’s hearts. A starring role as Roxie Hart in the West End revival of Chicago followed, which led to further West End appearances including playing opposite Patrick Swayze in the award-winning production of Guys and Dolls, alongside Matthew Kelly in the title role of Educating Rita as well as in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me On A Sunday. Claire then toured the country in the hit musical Legally Blonde and most recently in September in the Rain. She has also travelled the world in Fosse, The World Tour.
In addition to her successful theatre career, Claire starred in award-winning drama Clocking Off, Merseybeat and comedy drama Candy Cabs. She has also been a regular on Loose Women, presented 60 Minute Make Over and Here Comes the Sun.
In Santa Claus the Musical families will discover why Claire as the Ice Queen has joined forces with Jack Frost on a mission to stop Santa and destroy Christmas for everyone. A live band will perform classic Christmas hits including Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer while spectacular scenery and colourful costumes will create a fairytale winter wonderland where a host of colourful characters, from Santa’s personal assistant Ms Drift and Chief Elf Joe to dancing penguins and polar bears, unite in a snow-capped adventure.
Santa Claus the Musical also includes a relaxed performance for anyone who may not be comfortable in a traditional theatre setting. The performance on Friday January 3 at 2pm has had the strobe lighting and special effects adjusted so that audience-members may move around and enjoy the show as they wish without feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings. Should the performance become too much, there will also be a safe zone for anyone who wishes to unwind before they feel ready to return to the auditorium.
Producer for Santa Claus the Musical, Paul Holman, says: “Claire has performed all over the world with some of the biggest names in show business, had a chart-topping album and appeared in so many successful television series. I’m very excited Claire is coming to Worthing to star in this new Christmas show which is packed with so many festive, magical moments and musical numbers all the family will know and enjoy.”