AN EXPLOSIVE play based on a Martina Cole novel gets its world premiere at the Theatre Royal Stratford East on Friday. Cole, who still lives close to where she grew up near Tilbury, is one of the UK s most popular crime writers, renowned for her gritty, r

AN EXPLOSIVE play based on a Martina Cole novel gets its world premiere at the Theatre Royal Stratford East on Friday.

Cole, who still lives close to where she grew up near Tilbury, is one of the UK's most popular crime writers, renowned for her gritty, realistic portrayals of east London's underworld.

Now, for the first time, one of her best-selling novels is brought to the stage.

Two Women tackles domestic abuse and women's rights and stars Seven Kings actress Cathy Murphy, best known for her roles in EastEnders and House of Eliot, and Dagenham-born Sally Oliver, who played Lexi Nicholls in Emmerdale.

Danger and violence have always been part of Sue Dalston's East End upbringing. Unloved by her mother, abused by her father, and brutalised throughout her entire marriage, she smashes her husband's skull with a claw hammer in a final act of desperation.

All that keeps her sane is knowing that her four children are safe from harm.

Laura Howard (Cully Barnaby in Midsomer Murders) and Marc Bannerman (EastEnders) also star.

The play runs at the theatre in Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, until March 20.