The East London landmark enters its 140th year with a bold new chapter.
Stratford East has revealed the first season under its new artistic director and joint CEO, Lisa Spirling, marking the theatre’s 140th year. Working alongside new Executive Director Hannah Street and Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, Spirling has curated a 2026 programme that balances urgent contemporary stories with audience-first access and energy.
The season opens with the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries, running from 31 January to 28 February 2026. Written by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, the play investigates the 2007 discovery of a Nazi-era photo album at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. A finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and a multi-award-winner in the United States, it promises a meticulous and humane examination of history, accountability, and complicity.
Next comes Nancy Medina’s acclaimed revival of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy, on stage from 26 March to 25 April 2026 after its celebrated run at Bristol Old Vic. The coming-of-age drama follows a Black queer student navigating identity, faith, and friendship within the corridors of an all-boys’ school. Its previous London outing earned recognition at the Black British Theatre Awards in 2024, and Medina’s production arrives with momentum.
Later in the year, Spirling makes her Stratford East directorial debut with Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, a new work by esteemed stage and screenwriter Ava Pickett. The play interrogates mythmaking and consequence in the aftermath of war, reframing the legend of Helen for a modern audience. Dates will be announced, and anticipation is already high.
The repertoire sits alongside Mama Goose, a family-friendly pantomime by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu, running from 21 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. Stratford East will also host one-night specials across the season, including Nice n’ Spiky presents Ed Gamble on 7 November 2025, Stand with Palestinians: Messages from Gaza on 8 November 2025, A Merry Old Variety Night on 4 December 2025, Bring the Laughter on 8 December 2025, Shoot From the Hip on 18 December 2025, and the Bob Marley tribute Legend on 9 May 2026.
Announcing the programme, 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.”
Public booking opens on Friday, 3 October, with 3,500 tickets across the season available for only £10.
GO: Visit www.stratfordeast.com for more information.