FORMER Brookside actress and West End regular Claire Sweeney is excited ahead of performing in panto at the Theatre Royal in front of her three-year-old son – but admits she isn’t sure how he will react to her playing a baddie.

The 46-year-old actress will star as evil queen Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty from Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29.

She has been performing for more than 30 years, but Claire is especially excited for this performance – because of son Jaxon.

Speaking to the Star following rehearsals, Claire said: “This is a beautiful, gorgeous, little theatre, it’s a lovely, friendly, happy company. I’m thrilled just to be here.

“I’m good friends with Chantelle Nolan (manager at the Theatre Royal) and her mum, so I’m thrilled to be coming in their show and also my son will finally be able to understand what I do.

“I always saw pantomime as a job but now I’m seeing it through my little boy’s eyes and it’s totally different, the magic is back – but I don’t know how he’ll react about me being an evil queen.”

Despite several roles on stage and screen, Claire is probably best known as Lindsay Corkhill on the hit soap Brookside.

She will next appear on hit show Benidorm and star in the musical show Crazy in Love.

Claire added: “I just know that this is going to be one of those jobs where it’s over too quick as we are only doing nine days which is a shame.

“I do enjoy playing a villain though because you get to be camp and evil.

“You always get a good number plus it’s a very glamorous costume as well. You just channel Joan Collins.

“I’ve done panto for so many years and can tell you there is great talent on this stage, plus it’s a great way to introduce kids to theatre.”

For tickets visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com/whats-on.