Zubin Varla in Marble Hall Murders: Roles & Career

Actor profile

Career and selected work

Zubin Varla is a British actor and singer with a career across musical theatre, drama and television. His stage work includes Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Jerry Falwell in Tammy Faye; the latter performance brought a 2023 Olivier Award. Screen audiences may recognise Daniel Doyce in Little Dorrit, Leo Kamali in Strike Back, Qaseem in Our Girl or Xanwan in Andor.

The selection deliberately includes stage roles because they form a significant part of Varla’s work. If looking for a recording, check the date and cast rather than assuming a title always refers to the same production. For Marble Hall viewers, comparing Little Dorrit with one of the contemporary or science-fiction series makes a useful introduction. Listen to how a character establishes confidence or caution through an exchange, then consider how setting changes what that exchange means. These are viewing suggestions, not claims that the roles share the same intentions or belong to one fictional world.

Six roles to explore

Jesus Christ Superstar (1996) — Judas, stage.
Little Dorrit (2008) — Daniel Doyce.
Strike Back (2013) — Leo Kamali.
Our Girl (2013–2014) — Qaseem.
Andor (2022) — Xanwan.
Tammy Faye (2022) — Jerry Falwell, stage.

In the Susan Ryeland adaptations

Varla plays Frederick Turner in the contemporary strand and Achilles Vassilikos inside Pünd’s Last Case. The two names distinguish separate relationships and settings even though the performer connects them visually. As Susan works through the manuscript, the audience can compare what is being presented as fiction with the people and histories outside it. Start by identifying which strand a scene belongs to, then follow the character’s immediate purpose in that conversation. The parallels are part of the reading experience, but a resemblance alone does not establish how the contemporary mystery is solved.

Where to watch and explore next

Explore the Susan Ryeland episodes. Check local streaming services for other roles before subscribing. Use the year and character to identify the right production.

The character links below lead into the story guides. Endings stay in closed sections. Open them when you are ready for spoilers. Watching for the first time? Follow the episodes in order. Rewatching? Compare the performances across the two worlds.

Characters played

Stage work and recognition

Varla won an Olivier Award for his performance as Jerry Falwell in Tammy Faye at the Almeida Theatre. His agency also records Olivier nominations for Fun Home and for playing Harold in A Little Life. Other stage roles include the title role in Dara at the National Theatre and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Source: Conway van Gelder Grant: Zubin Varla. Checked 19 October 2026.