Dates and booking details have been confirmed for the world premiere of Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy by Ava Pickett at Stratford East. The new play explores the aftermath of Helen’s departure for war and marks Lisa Spirling’s directorial debut as artistic director at the venue.

Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will run at Stratford East from 3 September to 3 October 2026, with a press night scheduled for 10 September. Directed by Lisa Spirling, this production follows Helen as she returns home years after leaving her family to fight a war in her name.

Over the course of a single night, Helen reconnects with her husband and childhood friend, bringing old tensions and unresolved impacts of her departure to the surface. The play presents a focused exploration of these strained personal dynamics.

Ava Pickett is best known for her debut play 1536, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2024 and received a special commendation at the George Devine Award. 1536 premiered at the Almeida Theatre and earned Pickett Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards.

Pickett’s other stage credits include The Manningtree Witches at Mercury Theatre and Emma at Rose Theatre. Her screen work spans shows such as Brassic, The Buccaneers, The Great, and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

She is also co-writing a Joan of Arc film with Baz Luhrmann for Warner Bros. as well as involved in a television adaptation of 1536 commissioned by the BBC.

Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy is presented by Stratford East in collaboration with Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions. Further casting and creative team announcements are expected.

Priority booking for the play opens immediately, with general ticket sales starting at midday on 6 March. The production is part of Spirling’s first season leading Stratford East as artistic director.