Lisa Spirling has announced her first season as Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Stratford East. Alongside Executive Director and Co-CEO Hanna Streeter and Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, she begins a new chapter for the historic 140-year-old East London theatre. The programme for Winter, Spring and beyond brings together world premieres of bold new writing, acclaimed international theatre and a celebrated London transfer, reflecting Stratford East’s mission to tell vital stories that uplift unheard voices and mirror the world around us.

Highlights include the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, a co-production with Tectonic Theater Project. Based on real events, this Pulitzer Prize finalist tells the powerful story of a mysterious Nazi-era photo album that lands on the desk of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum archivist. The play runs from 31 January to 28 February 2026.

Nancy Medina’s award-winning Bristol Old Vic production of Choir Boy by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney will have its London premiere at Stratford East, running 26 March to 25 April 2026. Filled with heart and gospel hymns, this tender coming-of-age story celebrates individuality and resilience. Later in the year, Lisa Spirling herself will direct the world premiere of Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, a fierce new interrogation of one of history’s most mythologised figures. Dates for this production will be announced soon.

Over 3,500 tickets for the season will be available at £10. Members and customers with access requirements can book from today, with public booking opening on Friday 3 October at 12pm.

Alongside the new season, Stratford East will continue its rich programme of one-night events and community work. Upcoming highlights include Mama Goose, the theatre’s 2025–26 pantomime with an East London twist, written and directed by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu; Stand with Palestinians: Messages from Gaza, an evening of music, poetry and performance from White Kite Collective; comedy nights including Ed Gamble and Bring the Laughter; A Merry Old Variety Night on the pantomime set; and Legend – The Music of Bob Marley in May 2026. Stratford East’s Young Company, directed by Lilac Yosiphon, will also debut a brand-new production, and the Newham Neighbours initiative will continue to welcome local residents into the theatre.

Lisa Spirling said: “For our first season we’ve been led by open hearts and inquisitive minds. These plays and events, from the extraordinary Here There Are Blueberries to Ava Pickett’s explosive Bloodsport, alongside our panto, variety nights and community projects, are an invitation to gather, reflect and feel together.”

Tickets and full details are available at www.stratfordeast.com.