 As any EastEnders fan will know, there's little doubting Patsy Palmer's vocal power. Her screams of "Rickeeeeeeee" became synonymous with the top BBC soap for six years throughout the 90s, when she played the role of feisty Bianca. But the 31-year-old actress is putting her vocal chords to an entirely different use next week at Sunderland Empire. She is starring in the hit one-woman musical Tell Me On A Sunday, originally a smash for Marti Webb and more recently Denise Van Outen in London's West End. Surprised? You're not the only one. "The number of people who have told me they didn't know I could do this has been incredible," says Patsy in her unmistakable tones. "But I started off with singing, so really people shouldn't be that surprised." In fact, Patsy's vocal talents can be heard on one of the biggest selling albums of the 1970s - Pink Floyd's The Wall. "I didn't sing on the Another Brick In The Wall single, but I am on the album," she says. "I remember at the time, I was in the studio with Roger Waters and I hadn't a clue who he was. I think I was quite nonchalant. "We did our vocals and left. Then a couple of years later I really got into Pink Floyd, and I think what an opportunity I had. It's incredible, and I forget to tell people, but I sang on an all-time classic album." Patsy was only six when she first got a taste of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. "That's how I started off," she says. "And I've always loved musicals. So, really, people shouldn't be too surprised at me doing this." Patsy took up the offer of the job at Christmas. "So I haven't really had much time to think about it," she says. "I'm doing it for six weeks, which is great for me. It's really important for me to have structure in my life and to do jobs that mean I don't spend too much time away from my children. "I've not really toured like this before, so I'm looking forward to seeing other parts of the country. I'll be staying in Durham during my run at the Empire, and I'm told it's a beautiful city." Patsy is quick to sing the praises of Tell Me On A Sunday's most famous performer, Marti Webb, who in turn has given the ex-soap star some invaluable advice. "Marti is simply the best. She is perhaps our greatest musicals star," beams Patsy. "She's told me how to look after my voice. I don't drink and I haven't smoked for a long time now, but the best piece of advice was to drink lots of water and to make sure it's water that's at room temperature. "It may sound like a trivial thing, but I'd like to thank her for that as it has really helped me. "She also told me to just enjoy myself. And that's exactly what I'm doing." There are no immediate plans for Patsy when her stint in Tell Me On A Sunday ends. "I get offers all the time, but I don't want to do work just for the sake of doing it. I want to do work that is both challenging and enjoyable." She realises people will associate her with Bianca for a long time to come. "It is dying off a bit, though," she smiles. "People seem to find it hard to talk to me about it. But I don't mind. They may get embarrassed, but I don't." Tell Me On A Sunday is at Sunderland Empire from Monday until March 13. More details on 0870 602 1130. | 
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