Stratford East has announced that the world premiere of Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will run from 3 September to 3 October 2026, with Press Night on 10 September. The production marks the first show directed by Lisa Spirling in her new role as Artistic Director.
Written by Ava Pickett, the play follows Helen as she returns home years after leaving her family and sparking a war fought in her name. Her husband welcomes her return, while her childhood friend Cee is far less forgiving. Over the course of a single night, tensions rise, old wounds surface and the cost of her choices becomes clear.
Described as a play about friendship and motherhood, Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy examines what happens when the woman whose face started a war comes home to finish it.
 
 
 
 
Pickett’s work continues to gain acclaim. Her debut play 1536 won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, received a commendation from the George Devine Award and earned her The Stage Debut Award for Best Writer. Her screen credits include Brassic, The Buccaneers, The Great and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. She is also co‑writing a Joan of Arc feature film with Baz Luhrmann for Warner Brothers.
Spirling’s appointment at Stratford East follows her leadership at Theatre503, where she directed productions including The Boys Are Kissing, Wolfie, Milk and Gall and In Event of Moone Disaster. Other notable credits include the Olivier‑nominated Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial and How to Win Against History. Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will be her first production at Stratford East.
The production is presented by Stratford East and supported by Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions. Cast and full creative team will be announced at a later date.
Tickets go on sale 7th March 2026. Listings and ticket information can be found here.
