A SOUTHEND-based actress, Josephine Melville, has died backstage after performing in a play.

She was appearing in a production of Nine Night in Nottingham on Thursday when she sadly died.

In a statement, last night, Nottingham Playhouse played tribute and confirmed her sad passing.

They 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.

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“Josephine’s family have been informed, and our thoughts and deep condolences are with them.”

Josephine Melville was born in Essex and appeared in shows such as EastEnders and Casualty.

She also did a lot of work in Southend, including organising the recent very popular East Beach Festival.

Josephine was also a member of the committee at the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony in Westcliff, and the founder of the South Essex African Caribbean Association (SEACA) based in Southend.

Stephanie Sirr, Nottingham Playhouse's chief executive, also sent her condolences to Josephine’s family.

She 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."

All the remaining performance of Nine Night at the venue have been cancelled.