A musical chronicling the trials and travails of the West Indian Pentecostal community establishing itself in post-war Britain is set to make its world premiere.

EastEnders actress Bumni Mojekwu, who plays Mercy Olubunmi in the TV show, has been cast as leading lady Annie, and Layton Williams, the first black Billy Elliott in the West End musical, also stars in the new production.

A Dream Across the Ocean focuses on the Windrush generation – immigrants from the West Indian nations who came to Britain in search of a new life.

Much of this community settled in south London, and both the composers and producers draw their heritage from the West Indies and Croydon.

Producers Churchboyz, founded in 2006, is the only UK gospel group that pays tribute to the music of the first West Indian immigrants to arrive on the Empire Windrush.

Performing songs such as Draw Back The Curtains of Memories Now and Then, Press Along Saints, Hallelujah, Anyhow and Fire, Fire, Fire, the group has incorporated some of these classics, alongside new compositions into this ground-breaking show.

Directed by American Ray Shell, who has years of West End and Broadway experience, A Dream Across the Ocean follows the life of Winston Morgan, who leaves the Caribbean in the 1960s and travels by ship to London in search of a better life for his family.

Battling lonely years without his wife and extreme prejudice, Winston is joined in facing prejudice in an enduring friendship with Patrick Mulligan, an Irishman who shares the rooming house that accepts him when no one else would.

A Dream Across the Ocean, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, August 11 and 12 7.30pm. Tickets £20, £18.50 and £16.50. Call 0208 688 9291 or visit Fairfield.co.uk to book.