Lisa Spirling

Video: Watch the New Trailer For BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2026

A new trailer has been released for writer Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, directed by Stratford East Artistic Director Lisa Spirling. Check out the video here!

Photos: Michelle Dockery and Laura Aikman in Rehearsal For BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY
by Stephi Wild - Aug 21, 2026

New rehearsal photos have been released, giving a first look at award-winning writer Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, ahead of its world premiere at Stratford East. Check out the photos here!

Photos: Michelle Dockery, Laura Aikman and More in Rehearsal for BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 21, 2026

See rehearsal photos of Michelle Dockery, Laura Aikman and the cast of Ava Pickett's Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, making its world premiere at Stratford East in September 2026.

APPLICATION 39 Will Embark on UK Tour in September
by Stephi Wild - Aug 5, 2026

Ahmed Masoud's APPLICATION 39 will begin previews at Bristol Old Vic on September 24, 2026, before touring to Newcastle, Ipswich, Manchester and London's Stratford East.

Cast Set For BLOODSPORT at Stratford East
by Stephi Wild - Jul 29, 2026

Full casting has been announced for Ava Pickett's BLOODSPORT, set to run at Stratford East this autumn. Learn more about the show and the cast for the production here.

Michelle Dockery Will Return To The Stage In BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jul 3, 2026

Michelle Dockery, best known for her role in Downtown Abbey as Lady Mary Crawley, will return to the stage at Statford East in Bloodsport: Before Helen of Troy, a new play written by Ava Pickett.

Tickets On Sale For World Premiere Of BLOODSPORT
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

The highly anticipated world premiere of BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY by Ava Pickett will open in March 2026. This new play explores the aftermath of the Trojan War through a modern lens, promising a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

Review Roundups: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Opens at Stratford East
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026

UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries, a co-production between Tectonic Theater Project and Stratford East is now running at Stratford East. See what the critics are saying in BroadwayWorld's Review Roundup.

Review: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES, Stratford East
by Cindy Marcolina - Feb 12, 2026

Sometimes a play is far more valuable than what the four walls of a theatre can hold. 2007: history will never be the same after the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum gets a hold of a photo album from 1940s Germany. As the archivists leaf through the pages, the day-to-day routine of Nazi officers stationed in Auschwitz unfolds before their eyes.

THE HARDER THEY COME To Return To Stratford East In 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 2, 2026

THE HARDER THEY COME will return to Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2026 following its 2025 run. The reggae musical is adapted by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Matthew Xia, with performances scheduled from May 16 through July 4.

HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Announces Initial UK Cast at Stratford East
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES will make its UK premiere at Stratford East in early 2026, marking a major new collaboration with Tectonic Theater Project. The production brings Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich’s acclaimed work to London following celebrated runs in the U.S.

Interview: 'Come. Be A Part of The Conversation': Artistic Director Lisa Spirling And Executive Director Hanna Streeter on Their Big Plans For Stratford East
by Kat Mokrynski - Dec 3, 2025

Artistic Director Lisa Spirling and Executive Director Hanna Streeter have announced their first season at Stratford East, with exciting plans for the venue as a whole. The new season includes Here There Are Blueberries by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy by Ava Pickett and Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney. We had the opportunity to talk with both Spirling and Streeter about their first season at the theatre. We discussed what made each of them want to join Stratford East, some of their favourite shows they’ve seen at the venue and all about about the upcoming season!

HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES and More Set for Lisa Spirling's Inaugural Season at Stratford East
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2025

Lisa Spirling has announced her first season as Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Stratford East, alongside new Executive Director Hanna Streeter and Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis.

Bindi Karia Appointed Chair Of Trustees Of Stratford East
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2025

Stratford East has announced that Bindi Karia has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees. This appointment is a natural extension of Bindi's two-decade career at the intersection of innovation, technology, community, connectivity and advisory.

Cast Set For MAMA GOOSE Panto at Stratford East
by Stephi Wild - Jul 25, 2025

Stratford East has announced this year’s cast and creative team for MAMA GOOSE, with book by Vikki Stone & Tonderai Munyevu, who also co-direct, music by Robert Hyman, and lyrics by Robert Hyman & Vikki Stone.

Cast and Creative Team Set For ROMEO & JULIET at Stratford East
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2025

Stratford East has announced the cast and creative team for the community production of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet co-produced with Sadler's Wells. Learn more here!

Cast and Creative Team Set For THE HARDER THEY COME at Stratford East
by Stephi Wild - Jul 15, 2025

Stratford East has announced the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of THE HARDER THEY COME, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name.

Stratford East to Present 2025 Open Day in Celebration of 140th Anniversary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 30, 2025

​With Lovestuck currently running, Stratford East will present its 2025 Open Day, a celebratory event for the venue's 140th anniversary year. Learn more here!

Seiriol Davies' HOW TO WIN AGAINST HISTORY THIS SUMMER is Coming to Edinburgh Festival Fringe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 20, 2025

Francesca Moody Productions and Bristol Old Vic has revealed the creative team for their new expanded co-production of hit Edinburgh Fringe musical How To Win Against History at Edinburgh Fringe. Learn more!

Stratford East Appoints Jade Lewis as Associate Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - May 22, 2025

Stratford East has announced that Jade Lewis has been appointed Associate Artistic Director. Lewis is currently an Associate Artist at Synergy Theatre Project and has held a number of associateships across the sector.