Claire Sweeney and Tom Chambers bring Broadway magic to Sunderland stage

The toe-tapping Broadway classic musical stars Claire as Irene, Tom as Bobby and Charlotte Wakefield as Polly.

Audiences can expect mistaken identities, plot twists, heartbreak, happiness and a host of memorable tunes, including I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Embraceable You.

West End actor Tom, who is also known for his television roles in Casualty, Holby City and Waterloo Road, as well as winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2008, said: “I think Crazy For You has the absolutely perfect balance of humour, story and singing. There are so many musicals that are heavy on just one element but this show has the perfect combination of everything. It is a bit like the show dance on Strictly with everything slotting into place in the right order.”

Co-star Claire, meanwhile, has a television and theatre career which spans over 20 years.

She is probably best known for playing the role of Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, with other credits including Clocking Off, Loose Women and Merseybeat.

Speaking about her character, Claire, who’s appeared on stage in musicals including Chicago and Guys and Dolls, said: “Irene is very sophisticated, and she thinks she knows exactly what she wants when it comes to her life and love. But, in practice, she completely goes for the opposite of what she originally wanted in terms of the man she ends up with.

“She’s just a great character, and a vamp. Plus, she has that fantastic number Naughty Baby in act two which is a dream to sing. She’s a very glamorous woman with a bit of an edge to her, which is the sort of character I love to play.”

•Musical Crazy For You is running at Sunderland Empire until Saturday. Tickets from 0844 871 3022 or at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland