EastEnders stars Louisa Lytton and James Alexandrou reunite 20 years on from Albert Square as they join forces for dark new theatrical comedy

EastEnders stars Louisa Lytton and James Alexandrou have reunited 20 years on from their starring roles in the soap – as they join forces for dark new theatrical comedy.

Louisa, 37, played Ruby Allen, while James, 41, was best known for taking on the iconic character of Martin Fowler.

The pair will star in Casserole at the Playhouse East in Haggerston this November and December.

Louisa fell in love with the play when she saw an early workshop and then actually campaigned to co-star in it with James. 

Louisa was initially on EastEnders from 2005 to 2006, while James was part of the soap from 1996-2007, meaning they were only both on the show together for a very short time. 

Their characters both returned, and were actually romantically involved from 2019 onwards – but by that point, Martin was played by James Bye. 

This brand-new staging marks the first time James and Louisa have performed together on stage – with Alexandrou also serving as one of the writers and directors.

A synopsis for the play reads: 'Casserole is a dark comedy set around Christmas, exploring whether love can exist between two people with diametrically opposing views on the afterlife. 

'Kate has had another panic attack. Since the death of her mother, she has become convinced her mother is sending her signs from beyond the grave and she needs Dom to help her understand what they mean. 

'Then she finds him eating perhaps the biggest sign yet: the last casserole her mother ever made.'

The one-act, 65-minute play was developed over roughly five years through improvisational workshops at Playhouse East. 

Louisa has over 25 years of experience across television, theatre and film. 

Most recently, Louisa appeared as Meg in The Battle, directed by Matthew Dunster, and took on the leading role of Rachel Watson in the UK tour of The Girl on the Train.

Other recent theatre credits include playing Jenny in the critically acclaimed 2:22 A Ghost Story. 

Her extensive stage career also includes The Importance of Being Earnest, Grease and Shakespeare productions. Her television credits include The Bill, Murdoch Mysteries and Edge of Heaven. 

Meanwhile, James is the co-founder of Playhouse East which he opened with Avital Lvova in 2024. 

James grew up on screen as Martin in EastEnders, joining the cast aged 11 and staying for more than a decade. 

His other stage work includes Romeo at Shakespeare's Globe and Iago in Othello; his screen credits include Silent Witness, Call the Midwife, The Hack and Citadel. 

The play runs from November 24 to December 19 2026.