EastEnders' Ellen Thomas cast in world premiere of new Bonnie Greer play

Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Bonnie Greer's The Hotel Cerise at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Ellen Thomas (EastEnders) leads the company as Anita, with Michael Bertenshaw (The Merchant of Venice) as A.L. and Madeline Appiah (Here We Go) as Chirlane Thimbutu.

The play tells the story of a black middle class family losing their hotel, where Martin Luther King once stayed. Inspired by Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, the play is directed by Femi Elufowoju Jr.

Greer's previous writing credits include Yes (Royal Opera House) and 48:Greco/Davis (London Jazz Festival).

The cast also includes Nicholas Beveney (The Battle of Green Lanes), Andrew Dennis (Une Tempete), Abhin Galeya (Category B), Lacharne Jolly (Catalysta), Claire Prempeh (A Streetcar Named Desire), Alexis Rodney (Three Sisters) Angela Wynter (Boi Boi is Dead), Corey Montague-Sholay and El Anthony.

Set will be designed by Ellen Cairns with costume by Jessica Curtis, lights desgined by Tim Lutkins and sound by Simon McCorry.

The Hotel Cerise opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 25 October, with previews from 20 October.