Stratford East show is set to star Michelle Dockery and Laura Aikman as it explores the true cost of a woman leaving her life behind
by Rebecca Need-Menear
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While Matt Damon and his fellow film stars are living it very large on the nation’s IMAX screens, east London is set to host its own show set in the aftermath of Homer’s Iliad.
Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy by Ava Pickett chronicles the queen’s return to Sparta following the war fought in her name – her husband, Menelaus’ celebrations and her childhood friend Cee’s dismay.
Staged for its world première at Stratford East, the play deals with friendship, motherhood, loyalty and the “true cost” of one woman’s decision to abandon her life.
Michelle Dockery, best known for Downton Abbey, will play Helen, opposite Laura Aikman who is making her stage debut in the role of Cee following stints in Gavin And Stacy and Line Of Duty.
a bold reimagining
“Ava is such an extraordinary voice in storytelling right now and I’m delighted to be part of this bold reimagining of Helen’s return from Troy,” said Michelle.
“Stratford East’s history of bringing vital and ambitious stories to life makes it the perfect home for this production.”
Laura added: “From the moment I read Ava’s brilliant script I was desperate to play Cee.
“I think we can deliver something really gripping and I can’t wait to get started.”
The production is directed by Lisa Spirling, artistic director and co-CEO of Stratford East, and will run at the venue from September 3 until October 10, 2026.
She said: “When I first read Ava’s debut full length play Bloodsport three years ago, I was struck by how powerful, prescient and visceral it is.
“To tell this mythical story of Helen Of Troy at Stratford East, through Ava’s laser sharp lens is thrilling and to get to do that with our phenomenal creative team and company led by Michelle and Laura is ridiculously exciting.
“The team and I are buzzing to bring Bloodsport to Stratford East and to share it with our audience.”
Ava added: “I feel so excited and lucky to be working with Lisa, Michelle and Laura on this new play at Stratford East.
“To be given the opportunity to reimagine characters we feel we know is such a privilege and I can’t wait to share this story with audiences.”
Ava’s debut play, 1536, enjoyed a West End transfer following a successful run at the Almeida Theatre.
Also an historical work, the dark comedy drama explores female friendship in Tudor England against the backdrop of the fall of Anne Boleyn.
key details: Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy
Bloodsport: After Helen Of Troy runs at Stratford East from September 3 until October 10, 2026, with evening performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
Available tickets start at £17.50.
Find out more about the production here
Read more: Find out more about Common Threads, coming to Cody Dock in September
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