Josephine Melville has died backstage after performing in a Nine Night performance at the Nottingham Playhouse,
The theatre said the actor, director and playwright Melville died on Thursday after appearing in a production of Nine Night. She died at the scene despite being treated by paramedics and a medically qualified audience member.
The Essex born Melville credits included EastEnders, The Bill and Casualty along with several theatre roles.
Playing Tessa Parker in EastEnders during the 1980s, earlier this year appeared in the video for Ella Henderson’s single Brave.
Nottingham PlayHouse wrote on their social. “We are deeply saddened that last night (20 Oct) the actor Josephine Melville, passed away following the performance of Nine Night, our co-production with Leeds Playhouse. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones.”
Nottingham Playhouse’s chief executive Stephanie Sirr said: “We send our love and condolences to Jo’s family and friends.
“On a deeply tragic and extremely difficult evening we want to pay tribute to the company of Nine Night and to the whole Nottingham Playhouse team who managed the situation with empathy and professionalism.”
