Emmerdale star Sandra Marvin lands new role in award-winning musical

Emmerdale's Sandra Marvin has joined the cast of Paddington The Musical as it marks its first anniversary on the West End. The Jessie Dingle actor is set to star as Tanya, a neighbour of the Brown family, a cardiac surgeon, and the mother of Judy Brown's boyfriend, Tony.

It's far from Marvin's first time treading the boards, after previously playing Becky in The Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End.

Talking about the new production, producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said in a statement: "It is an absolute privilege bringing Paddington The Musical to the stage with our partners from STUDIOCANAL, and as we celebrate our first year in the West End, it’s a joy to announce this brand-new company."

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They added: "Shows like this don’t come along very often, and we’re continually in awe of how audiences embrace the production and take this much-loved bear to their hearts. We know this wonderful company will make the show their own and continue to create magic on stage at the Savoy Theatre."

Marvin left the soap in 2019 to pursue a career in theatre, landing roles in & Juliet, Sister Act, ShowBoat, and Chicago.

She also appeared in an episode of Call The Midwife in 2021 as expectant mother Patricia 'Pat' Williams.

Speaking to Norwich Theatre, Marvin explained what it is about musical theatre that keeps her coming back.

"I like how clever it is. If people go and watch a good musical, they’re taken on a journey, and as a performer I feel that with practically every character that I’m fortunate to play I learn something about myself.

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"I think it’s the same for an audience; you laugh, you cry, and you discover something about yourself."

Chatting to OK! magazine about her decision to leave the soap, she explained: "There are so many amazing people looking for work and it's a tough industry, but if you don't challenge yourself you'll never know."

Tickets for Paddington The Musical are booking until 13 February, 2028.

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