Downton Abbey icon leads 'gripping' drama alongside Gavin and Stacey star

Two familiar faces on British television are about to take on new roles on stage which is based on Helen of Troy

Shivon Watson Screen Time Reporter

11:42, 06 Jul 2026

Michelle Dockery talks about emotional Downton Abbey Finale

A Downton Abbey icon is heading back to the stage with a leading role alongside Gavin & Stacey's Laura Aikman.

Michelle Dockery, best known for playing Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey, will star as the legendary Helen of Troy in Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, a fresh retelling that explores the character's life after the events of the Trojan War.

The production is set to open at Stratford East in September and marks Michelle's first theatre role in seven years. Her last stage appearance came in 2018, when she starred in Network at the National Theatre.

Joining Michelle in the cast is Gavin & Stacey actress Laura, who will make her stage debut as Helen's lifelong friend, Cee.

[A woman in a red dress smiles ]

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Michelle Dockery is known for playing Lady Mary in Downton Abbey(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

The production also boasts an acclaimed creative team. Playwright Ava Pickett, whose debut play 1536 earned an Olivier Award nomination, has also written for television series including The Buccaneers, The Great and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

Directing the production is Lisa Spirling, whose previous work includes the Olivier-nominated Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.

Interest in the show has already proved strong, with Stratford East announcing an additional week of performances following high demand for tickets. Fans eager to see Michelle Dockery return to live theatre may want to secure seats sooner rather than later.

[LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Laura Aikman during the BAFTA TV preview of "Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes" at BAFTA on April 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)]

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Gavin & Stacey star Laura Aikman also stars in the production

According to the synopsis, the story is about "friendship, motherhood, and what happens when the woman whose face started a war, returns home to finish it".

The synopsis also reads: "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."

[The pair have shared their excitement in a statement]

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The pair have shared their excitement in a statement

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Sharing her excitement, Michelle said in a statement reported by Hello!: "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.

"Stratford East's history of bringing vital and ambitious stories to life makes it the perfect home for this production."

Laura also said: "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."

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