Lisa Spirling today announces her first season as new Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Stratford East. Alongside new Executive Director and Co-CEO Hanna Streeter and Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, she will lead the historic 140-year-old East London venue into a new era.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” says Spirling, “Stratford East is a place with a rich and rebellious history, the kind of theatre where innovators like Joan Littlewood and Philip Hedley shaped British culture and created a family of incredible artists like Cynthia Erivo, Meera Syal, and Roy Williams. Our job now is to carry that baton with care and energy.”
Comprising world premieres of new writing, international theatre and a critically acclaimed London transfer, the season ahead will embody the theatre’s mission to tell vital stories that elevate unheard voices and reflect the world around us.
Spirling says, “Stratford East has always been a beacon for powerful stories and community spirit, and our vision is to build on that legacy—creating a space where everyone feels truly welcome and represented. Audiences can expect bold new writing, sharply topical theatre, and work that elevates unheard voices while holding a mirror up to our times.”
Streeter adds, “It’s about bringing people together in this beautiful, historic theatre to feel, connect, and share joy—whether through a thought-provoking detective drama, a gloriously fun panto or a DJ night in our bar. We want to give people a great night out.
Some of the highlights are the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries (31 January - 28 February 2026), a Pulitzer Prize finalist about uncovering difficult truths, created by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich. Based on real events, it tells the story of a mysterious album featuring Nazi-era photographs which arrives at the desk of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum archivist
Then there is Choir Boy (26 March - 25 April 2026), transferring from an award-winning run at the Bristol Old Vic. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney - who won an Oscar for Moonlight - and directed by Bristol Old Vic AD Nancy Medina, it’s a tender coming of age story featuring gospel hymns and spirituals.
Spirling says, “We’re also thrilled for the world premiere of Ava Pickett's first play Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, which I will direct. .. it’s an absolute firecracker of a play, full of wit and grit.”
She adds, “For us, this season is about open hearts and inquisitive minds, and the opportunity to bring world class artists from across the world to Newham alongside homegrown talent that will take the world by storm.”
Alongside these productions there is a growing programme of one-night events, comedy nights, and music, and inspiring community activity run by their Learning and Participation team. Over 3500 tickets for the new season will be available for £10.
This new era for Stratford East is another marker for a thriving cultural scene in the area. Streeter says, “There’s an undeniable creative energy in East London right now—it’s a place buzzing with ideas and innovation. Stratford East stands proudly alongside institutions like V&A East and Sadler’s Wells East, and the Royal Docks.
Culture is a necessity in these challenging times— creating hope, belonging and understanding. That’s why affordable access and free school and community programmes remain central to everything we do.”
As for Stirling, she is relishing what is to come in her new role, saying, “Being an AD of a theatre is to hold space for others. Space to convene, to collaborate, to rage at the world and yet to still celebrate every aspect of our humanity. I'm inspired hugely by seeing all that theatre does for us as individuals and as a community. And even more inspired by seeing the work and the levels of commitment, passion, resources and time that each artistic endeavour takes.
I'm inspired by the sheer act of creating something, of putting something out into the world that didn't exist previously, each show and artistic project that takes flight is a mini-miracle - that is down to a team of such talented and skilled individuals consistently going above and beyond. To witness that every day is hugely inspiring and humbling.”
Public booking opens 12pm, Friday 3 October www.stratfordeast.com
