The world premiere of Ava Pickett’s latest play will take place at Stratford East.
Stratford East has confirmed the dates dates for the world premiere of Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy by Ava Pickett (1536, upcoming Baz Lurmann Joan of Arc film).
As tickets go on sale, it has been announced that Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will be performed at the theatre from the 3rd September until the 3rd October 2026.
Set to be directed by Lisa Spirling, it will mark her directorial debut as Stratford East’s new Artistic Director.
GIVE IT BACK. GIVE IT BACK NOW. GIVE IT BACK OR I’LL TAKE IT BACK.
Years after she walked out on her family, Helen has returned home after a war fought in her name. Her husband celebrates, her childhood friend Cee does not. Over the course of this first fragile night of peace time, wounds reopen, loyalties fracture and the true cost of a woman’s choice to leave her life is made clear.
A play about friendship, motherhood, and what happens when the woman whose face
started a war, returns home to finish it.
Ava Pickett’s debut play1536 won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2024, received a
special commendation from the George Devine Award and won The Stage Debut Award
(Best Writer) when it premiered at the Almeida Theatre. It will transfer to the
Ambassadors Theatre from May 2026 and the BBC have commissioned a new BBC One
drama series based on the acclaimed play.
Further creative team and casting for the production has yet to be announced.
To book tickets visit: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/bloodsport-after-helen-of-troy