The 44-year-old actress, who became a household name for her portrayal of Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey, will take the central role in the production, which chronicles the life of Helen of Troy in the aftermath of the Trojan War.

Scheduled to premiere at Stratford East in September, the production marks Michelle’s return to the theatre, being her first stage appearance since she starred in Network at the National Theatre back in 2018.

Michelle stars opposite Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey), who makes her stage debut as Helen’s childhood friend Cee.

Not only is the impressive lead cast a big draw, but the creative team is just as impressive. Writer Ava Pickett, who received an Olivier nomination for her debut play 1536, brings an illustrious portfolio of screen credits, including The Buccaneers, The Great and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. Meanwhile, director Lisa Spirling is no stranger to helming riveting stage productions; her prior work includes the Olivier-nominated Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.

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Fans of the Downton Abbey star will want to book their tickets soon, as the theatre has already added an extra week of performances due to “phenomenal early demand”.

What is Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy about?

The play is billed as a story about “friendship, motherhood, and what happens when the woman whose face started a war, returns home to finish it,” according to the synopsis.

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It 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.”

Who stars in the play?

Michelle Dockery, known for her roles in Downton Abbey, Anna Karenina and This Town, plays Helen.

She’s joined by Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey, This City is Ours), as Cee.

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Expressing her excitement, Michelle said in a statement: “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 added: “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.”

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East on Thursday 3 September and runs until Saturday 10 October, 2026.