Play about a redhead in Helen's place (4)

I believe the answer is:

troy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me about this clue!

Here is my best explanation:

'helen's place' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'play about a redhead' is the wordplay.
'play' becomes 'toy' (synonyms).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'a redhead' becomes 'r' (the head/first letter of 'red').
'toy' placed around 'r' is 'TROY'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?