Check out the complete cast for the world premiere of BLOODSPORT: AFTER HELEN OF TROY. Award-winning writer Ava Pickett brings a thrilling new perspective to classic Greek Myth and themes from the Odyssey to the London theatre scene. Stratford East Artistic Director Lisa Spirling directs this gripping new play, which runs from Thursday 03 September to Saturday 10 October 2026.

What is the Show About?

"Give it back. Give it back now. Give it back or I will take it back."

Years after Helen walks out on her family, she returns home following a war that nations waged in her name. Her husband celebrates her return, while her childhood friend Cee definitely does not. During this first fragile night of peacetime, the reunion reopens old wounds and fractures long-held loyalties. The story reveals the true cost of a woman's choice to leave her old life behind. Ava Pickett explores friendship, motherhood, and the chaotic aftermath when the woman whose face started a war returns home to finish it.

Meet the Cast

As we previously announced, Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey, The Queen Of Fashion) plays the legendary Helen. Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey, Line Of Duty) joins her on stage as Cee.

An incredible lineup of actors completes the company:

• Maimuna Memon (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Coment Of 1812, Standing At The Sky’s Edge) plays Dani.

• Gerard Monaco (Richard II, Dear England) takes on the role of Mario.

• Ethan Moorhouse (The Moment, I Know I Know I Know) acts as Messenger.

• Emma Monnickendam (Sisters In Arms, Hope) portrays Hermione.

• Jay Taylor (Wold Hall, Bring Up The Bodies, Midsomer Murders) plays Marcus.

• Ellie Turner (Summerfolk, 2:22 Ghost Story) steps into the role of Woman.

• Joshua-Alexander Williams (Romeo & Juliet, Animal Farm) completes the cast as Luke.

The Creative Team

An outstanding creative team brings this production to life. Costume Supervisor Sophie Fuller, Fight and Intimacy Coordinator Enric Ortuño, Voice and Dialect Coach Claudette Williams, and Assistant Director Ariana Xeno join the previously announced creative experts. This original team includes Set and Costume Designer Polly Sullivan, Lighting Designer Zeynep Kepekli, Sound Designer and Composer Nicola T. Chang, Movement Director Kloé Dean, Casting Director Juliet Horsley CDG, and Dramaturg Ed Madden.

Production Supporters

Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions, and Mark Gordon Pictures generously support this production. Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund that The Prism Charitable Trust holds, also provides crucial backing for this spectacular run.