Michelle Dockery, best known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey, is set to make her return to the stage after seven years. She will star in the new play Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy at Stratford East, alongside Gavin & Stacey's Laura Aikman. The production, which reimagines the life of Helen of Troy after the Trojan War, will premiere in September and has already added extra performances due to high demand.
Michelle Dockery's Stage Comeback
Dockery's last stage appearance was in 2018 in Network at the National Theatre. Her return marks a significant moment for the actress, who expressed excitement about the project. In a statement reported by Hello!, she said: "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."
The play is written by Ava Pickett, whose debut 1536 received an Olivier Award nomination. Pickett has also written for television series including The Buccaneers, The Great, and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The production is directed by Lisa Spirling, known for the Olivier-nominated Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.
Laura Aikman's Stage Debut
Laura Aikman, known for her role in Gavin & Stacey, will make her stage debut as Cee, Helen's long-standing companion. Aikman shared her enthusiasm: "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."
Plot and Demand
The synopsis describes the play as focusing on "friendship, motherhood, and what happens when the woman whose face started a war, returns home to finish it." It continues: "Years after she walked out on her family, Helen has returned home after a war fought in her name. Her husband celebrates; her childhood friend Cee does not. Over the course of this first fragile night of peace time, wounds reopen, loyalties fracture and the true cost of a woman's choice to leave her life is made clear."
Due to overwhelming ticket requests, Stratford East announced an extra week of performances. The production is expected to be a highlight of the autumn theatre season.
