Joanna Riding

Joanna Riding (born Joanne Riding; 9 November 1967) is an English actress known for her work in West End musicals. She has won two Laurence Olivier Awards and has been nominated for three others. Riding was born in Preston, Lancashire, England and grew up on a farm where her father ran a cheese-making business. She received theatre training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 1986 to 1989. She began her career at Chichester Festival Theatre and went on to play roles in various productions in the West End. Notably, she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Julie Jordan in Carousel. Riding has also appeared in television shows and films.