Lisa Spirling has unveiled her first season as Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Stratford East, marking a bold new chapter for the historic East London venue. Joined by Executive Director Hanna Streeter and Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, Spirling’s inaugural programme promises a dynamic mix of world premieres, international collaborations, and powerful storytelling.
The season opens with the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich. A co-production with Tectonic Theater Project, this critically acclaimed play explores the discovery of a Nazi-era photo album at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. It runs from 31 January to 28 February 2026.
Next, Nancy Medina’s award-winning production of Choir Boy by Academy Award-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney transfers to London following its celebrated run at Bristol Old Vic. This tender coming-of-age story, infused with gospel hymns and spirituals, plays from 26 March to 25 April 2026.
Later in the year, Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will premiere, directed by Spirling herself. Dates are to be confirmed for this fierce new work interrogating one of history’s most mythologised figures.
Over 3,500 tickets will be available at £10, with priority booking open now and public booking from 12pm on Friday 3 October.
Also announced:
- A Merry Old Variety Night (4 December 2025), a nostalgic knees-up on the panto set.
- Bring the Laughter (8 December 2025), featuring Kae Kurd, Nabil Abdulrashid, Esther Manito, and Eshaan Akbar.
- Legend – The Music of Bob Marley (9 May 2026), a tribute to the reggae icon.
Previously announced events include:
- Nice n’ Spiky presents Ed Gamble (7 November 2025)
- Stand with Palestinians: Messages from Gaza (8 November 2025)
- Mama Goose, the East London twist on a classic panto (21 November 2025 – 3 January 2026)
- Shoot From The Hip (18 December 2025)
The season also features a new production from Stratford East’s Young Company, directed by Lilac Yosiphon, and the launch of Newham Neighbours, a community initiative offering free tickets and social events.
Lisa Spirling said:
“For our first season we’ve been led by open hearts and inquisitive minds, and we can’t wait to share with you these stories from near and far. We’re thrilled to welcome Tectonic Theater Project and to have Moisés Kaufman create with Stratford the UK production of Here There Are Blueberries, exploring the human condition and our capacity for complicity in the unimaginable. It’s a joy to welcome Nancy Medina and her Bristol Old Vic production of Choir Boy written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. This coming-of-age, heart-warming play epitomises the warmth with which we want to hold our audiences. Later in the year I will direct the world premiere of rising star Ava Pickett’s play Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, a firecracker of a story that will burst onto our stage and leave a lasting impression.”
Hanna Streeter added:
“Lisa’s bold and brilliant programming, and our vision for Stratford East’s future, builds on the legacy of our incredible predecessors. Our first season together celebrates our wonderfully vibrant East London communities, welcomes world-class artists, and reaffirms our commitment to young people and the next generation, creating pathways to success for those who need it most. With our free learning and participation programme, thousands of £10 tickets, and pay what you can nights, affordable access remains at our heart, made possible thanks to our generous supporters. So come for a great night out, to connect, feel, escape in our beautiful 140-year-old theatre, or dance at a DJ night with our signature rum punch. We can’t wait to welcome you in 2026.”
Jade Lewis said:
“Our first season welcomes beautiful and nuanced stories which explore the highs and lows of our world and time. Each piece centred around the foundations of humanity; where we triumph and where we fall short. Our audiences at Stratford East have a taste for political stories with a social commentary as well as plays which are full of heart, warmth and joy and being a part of building this bold programme is exciting. I cannot wait for audiences to respond.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
