Claire Sweeney heading to Sunderland Empire to play iconic role

It’s been announced that Claire will play the iconic role in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical when it comes to Sunderland Empire from Monday, January 18 to Saturday, January 23, 2027.

Claire will star alongside the previously announced Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, and the newly announced Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell, Christian Cooper as Rooster, and Amber Kennedy as Lily St. Regis.

Claire can currently be seen as series regular Cassie Plummer in Coronation Street and is well known for her role as Lindsay Corkhill in Brookside.

Her other credits include roles in Clocking Off, Holby City, Merseybeat, Candy Cabs, Scarborough, The Good Ship Murder and Benidorm.

Her many West End credits include roles in Chicago, Guys and Dolls, 9 to 5 the Musical, Crazy For You, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Legally Blonde, Hairspray and September in the Rain as well as many more.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, Annie tells the story of a brave young girl forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie's search for her true family.

The Tony award-winning book and score includes ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

Annie is at Sunderland Empire from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 January 2027. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland*