Claire Sweeney replaces Michelle Collins in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Michelle Collins is withdrawing from her role as Baroness Bomburst in the UK and Ireland tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang due to a knee injury. 

Collins will play her final performance on 30th July 2016. Claire Sweeney (Brookside/Hairspray) will take over as Baroness Bomburst from 3rd August 2016 and continue with the tour until it concludes in February 2017.

Collins says: "I will be really sorry to leave the fantastic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour after my dates at the New Wimbledon Theatre and six months on the road. I love playing the all singing and dancing Baroness Bomburst, but have been advised that the knee problem I have been managing along the way will not fully recover if I carry on for the rest of the 12-month tour. I wish Claire Sweeney every success when she takes over the role this summer."

Claire Sweeney announces solo concert

It has been announced that actress, singer, radio presenter and TV personality Claire Sweeney will perform an intimate solo concert at the London Hippodrome on 2nd June 2016 at 8pm.

Sweeney famously played Lindsay Corkhill in Channel 4’s Brookside and went on to land roles in Clocking Off and Merseybeat. 

She has starred in West End productions such as Chicago and Guys & Dolls, and is currently on tour with Hairspray playing Velma von Tussle. Sweeney could recently be heard hosting her own radio show Magic of the Musicals for Magic FM.

Review: Educating Rita at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Educating Rita
2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
George Square Theatre
Performance: Thursday 23rd August 2012

Educating Rita has been a controversial show at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival due to the fact it stars two well known actors. However I do not have a problem with this at all. I love the fact that one minute you can be watching an exciting new play starring amazing, fresh, unknown, talented actors and then the next you can watch two experienced actors take on a beautiful Willy Russell play - how exciting!