Claire Sweeney on Miss Hannigan, Air Fryers on Tour, and Returning to Cardiff
Claire Sweeney is back in South Wales this summer, stepping into the gloriously chaotic shoes of Miss Hannigan as Annie arrives at the Wales Millennium Centre. When we speak, she’s tucked away in an air‑conditioned rehearsal studio — a welcome escape from the heatwave — and instantly warm, funny and wonderfully unfiltered.
We realise quickly that we’ve actually met before, at last year’s Moolala. “I thought so!” she laughs. “It was such good fun.” But today, the focus is firmly on Annie, and on Claire’s long‑awaited return to the Donald Gordon Theatre.
“I’ve not performed there since 2007, when I did Guys and Dolls,” she says. “I normally play the New Theatre, so it’s lovely to come back to this building. It’s gorgeous.”
Taking on Miss Hannigan
Sweeney is relishing the chance to play one of musical theatre’s great comic villains.
“Miss Hannigan is the alcoholic cougar who runs the orphanage and hates kids,” she says with wicked delight. “She’s jealous, she’s chaotic, she’s trying to seduce every man who walks through the door — the laundry man, the police officer — and she’s always slightly drunk. Well… really pissed.”
For anyone who, like me, has somehow never seen Annie, Claire gives the whistle‑stop tour:
“It’s about Annie leaving the orphanage to live with Oliver Warbucks, the richest unmarried man in the world. She softens him, he falls in love with her like a dad, and Miss Hannigan can’t stand it. There’s comedy, joy, kids, a dog, and songs everyone knows — Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life. And the script is every bit as good as the music.”
She pauses, then adds with a grin: “It’s not too long either — always a bonus.”
The Joy of Playing the Villain
Sweeney has spent much of her career playing glamorous leads, but she’s embraced the shift into richer, more characterful roles.
“When I got into my forties, suddenly I started getting offered the alcoholic cougar roles,” she says. “And they’re so much more fun. I’ve wanted to play Hannigan for years. I’m glad I’m doing it now, not ten years ago — I’m coming to it with life experience, heartbreaks, tragedies… all the stuff that feeds a character like her.”
Rehearsing Without the Kids
With three young performers rotating in the title role, you’d imagine rehearsals are full of energy. Not quite — at least not yet.
“I haven’t rehearsed with any kids at all,” she admits. “I’m in a studio on my own, pretending there are kids there, with one director playing all the different characters. They’re bringing the kids in on Monday, then again Thursday, and then I’m on. It’s a quick turnaround.”
Dream Roles and Musical Memories
If she could steal any musical theatre role for one night?
“Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers,” she says instantly. “It was the first musical I ever saw. It made me fall in love with theatre. Willy Russell’s writing is brilliant — a great script and great songs. I defy anyone not to cry.”
Tour Survival: Air Fryers, Tea and a Push‑Up Bra
Our listeners often ask performers about their touring essentials, and Claire does not disappoint.
“I’ve got a new little guest coming with me this time — an air fryer,” she laughs. “I love my air fryer. I can cook anywhere.”
Her must‑haves continue:
“My kettle, a cup, teabags and milk — I’m a Yorkshire Tea girl.”
“My vocal steamer.”
“My son, Jackson. He’s joining me once he’s on summer holidays — he’ll have loads of friends in the cast.”
“And my push‑up bra. Gotta have that.”
Why She Loves Coming Back to Wales
When asked what she loves doing in South Wales that she can’t do anywhere else, she doesn’t hesitate.
“Seeing H from Steps,” she beams. “We’ve been friends for 25 years — since the ’90s. I can’t wait to see him and Tom and the boys. That always makes me happy.”
As our conversation wraps, Claire is as warm as she is wickedly funny — much like the character she’s about to unleash on Cardiff. With iconic songs, a beloved story and a cast full of heart, Annie promises to be a summer highlight at the Wales Millennium Centre. And with Claire Sweeney at the helm of the orphanage, Miss Hannigan has never sounded so irresistible.