We round up the reviews for Ava Pickett’s latest play, running at the theatre until the 10th October.
The Guardian: “Both comedy and drama are deftly paced and balanced in the production by Stratford East’s new artistic director Lisa Spirling, amplified by Nicola T Chang’s bone-shaking score and sound.”
The Arts Desk: “Ava Pickett shows that her tragicomedy about witch hunts wasn’t a one-off.”
Everything Theatre: “There is no doubt that Pickett is committed to exploring the treatment of women, the state of the world and the complexities of how we relate to one another, themes that consistently shape her work. However, in Bloodsport, the writing itself often undermines those intentions.”
The Reviews Hub: “The play is verbally rich, full of ideas about current political debates, and deftly played by an outstanding cast, though Aikman, Dockery, and Memon own the lion’s (lionesses?) share of the stage time.”
British Theatre Guide: “This is a play that centres on women having agency and includes a very entertaining narrator, but the interesting dialogue and shades of gangster plot lack a focus and have a puzzling conclusion.”
London Theatre.co.uk: “Although the ending is so sudden it is almost anticlimactic, Bloodsport weaves in thousands of years’ worth of conspiracy theories and judgements of Helen. Is she a “slut demon” who caused the death of hundreds, or just “a woman who left”? Pickett’s perceptive play leaves us guessing.”
All That Dazzles: “Bloodsport is clearly a passion project for director Lisa Spirling, the first production she has directed at Stratford East since becoming its Artistic Director. That passion is clear to see throughout, with choices that heighten the comedy and, at times, intensity of the story.”
The Standard: “Pickett’s flair for rich, heightened dialogue, and for puncturing high drama with sudden humour, are already thrillingly present. Like 1536, Bloodsport is built around three strong and complex female roles, embraced with relish in Lisa Spirling’s punchy production by Downton’s Michelle Dockery, Gavin and Stacy star Laura Aikman and the always-watchable Maimuna Memon.”
Time Out: “Again I don’t want to get too into how all this plays out, but nobody does foul-mouthed feminist subversion with an Essex drawl anything like Pickett. I mean, I don’t even think there’s any obvious competition, but the parade of Hollywood A-listers spotted at 1536 is very telling indeed, and certainly you have to think notable attendee Quentin Tarantino would dug this one too.”
The Spy in the Stalls: “There isn’t a redundant performance here or one that does not deserve praise. Spirling was introduced to the play when it was first written as part of a New Writing Programme and now brings it to fruition through skilful deployment of, as she says, a ‘ridiculously talented’ cast and creative team. She has delivered an ensemble backing for the two leads in which every player is clear and distinct in their roles. The courageous and shocking finale itself marks a remarkable departure from traditional theatrical outcomes. This play is one for the awards.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/bloodsport-after-helen-of-troy