Ava Pickett is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting voices in British theatre. Her sharp wit and ability to capture the complexities of modern life by looking at historical periods make her an incredible playwright with many shows to catch this year. Perhaps most prominent is her newest play BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy which has recently been announced to open at Stratford East on Fri 04 Sep until Sat 07 Oct 2026. 

This must-see London production marks a historic moment for us as our Artistic Director, Lisa Spirling makes her directorial debut at the venue since taking on the role in 2025. Together, Pickett and Spirling are bringing this firecracker of a story to our stage. BLOODSPORT is a high-stakes interrogation of the Helen of Troy storyline that examines the woman whom history blames for a decade of war. 

Before BLOODSPORT opens, there is a lot of hype around Ava Pickett’s debut play 1536 which gained Pickett the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize (2024), the oldest and largest prize for women+ playwrights; the Stage Debut Award for Best Writer (2025); the George Devine Award (2023); a special commendation for most promising playwright; The Evening Standard Theatre Awards (2025) award for most promising playwright and now nominated for the 2026 Olivier Award with Cunard for best new play. 

Following its sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre, 1536 is heading to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre from May to August 2026.  

Currently running until Sat 14 Mar 2026 another play of Ava’s, The Manningtree Witches, plays at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. This collaboration with Frantic Assembly creates a visceral experience to women silenced by history in Essex. 

Following her East Anglian theme, Pickett’s next show is only a couple train stops away from Colchester in Stratford where BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy bases Helen in Essex and looks at the aftermath of the Trojan war, perfect for lovers of new writing and Greek Mythology. 

Given Pickett’s history of sold-out runs in London, booking BLOODSPORT early is the only way to ensure you get the best seats at the best prices for the play everyone will be talking about this Autumn.  

BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy runs at Stratford East from Fri 04 Sep until Sat 10 Oct. Tickets are available now.