Lenny Henry to star as 'charming hustler' in King Hedley II at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Lenny Henry is returning to the London stage to play a smalltime hustler in a tale of big city life.

The actor and comic, seen last year playing a gangster in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse, will star in August Wilson’s King Hedley II at Stratford East.

Artistic director Nadia Fall, who will direct the play, said the story of life set against “urban decay” in a US city was “incredibly timely”.

She said: “I’m really keen when you do plays looking at difficult subjects that they have some hope of redemption.

“I did think for a long time: is this too bleak? But it’s so beautifully written. This Elmore, the part Lenny will be playing, he’s a hustler and you hear about him for a good chunk of the play before you even meet him. His reputation precedes him.

“He’s not a cuddly character, he’s full of charm and he’s a hustler.”

She said she hoped Henry’s presence would help attract a new audience to the venue, which she took over this year.

She said: “I hope he turns people’s heads and brings people not only to the theatre but to the play, he’s an extraordinary actor.”

Other plays in the new season include an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel Noughts and Crosses and a co-production with English National Opera of Benjamin Britton’s Noye’s Fludde which will team a professional cast with local schoolchildren.

King Hedley II will run from May 17 to June 16 next year.