Nine Night actor Josephine Melville passes away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse

Actor Josephine Melville tragically passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse this week, the venue has said.

In a statement, the theatre announced that Melville sadly died following a performance of Nine Night despite the best efforts of first aiders and paramedics.

Nottingham Playhouse said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that last night the actor Josephine Melville, passed away backstage at Nottingham Playhouse following the performance of the play Nine Night, in which she was performing. Josephine’s family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them.

“Josephine received immediate assistance from Nottingham Playhouse first aiders and a medically qualified member of the Nine Night audience. The subsequent very swift arrival of paramedics meant she was quickly and expertly treated but sadly she passed away at the scene.

“Nine Night is a co-production between Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse. The entire company, and staff at both theatres are in state of shock. Josephine was a truly wonderful and well-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Auntie Maggie in Nine Night. We are offering our full support to her family, our onstage and production crew and all staff at this awful time.

“In light of these events, all performances Nine Night at Nottingham Playhouse have been cancelled. Bookers will be contacted.

“We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult period.”

Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse, 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.”

Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, James Brining, added: “We are profoundly saddened by Jo’s passing and add our condolences to her family and loved ones. We were truly honoured to work with her on this wonderful co-production of Nine Night and are doing everything we can to support her family, the company and staff across both theatres.”

Alongside her theatre work, Melville’s credits included screen appearances in EastEnders, The Bill and Casualty.