Stranger Things: The First Shadow has finally exploded onto the stage at London’s Phoenix Theatre, delivering a spectacle of storytelling and visual wizardry that is truly breathtaking. It captivated me in a way I haven’t experienced in theatre since watching a certain play about a young wizard, known for his lightning scar, back in February 2017. This isn’t just another stage adaptation; it’s a breathtaking expansion of the Stranger Things universe, a prequel that not only adds to but elevates the entire series.

I have been a fan of Stranger Things from the beginning, and the immersive Stranger Things experience by Secret Cinema, back in 2020, allowed me to connect with the material in such a special way, that I was both excited and apprehensive about how they would bring one of my favourite franchises to the stage. Within mere seconds of the opening, they had set my mind at ease!

Right from the start, the play cleverly used media and special effects to transition us from the on-screen world to the stage. The seamless blend of live action and innovative technology felt like another chapter of the story, yet distinctly theatrical, a testament to the masterful direction of Stephen Daldry. Under his guidance, Stranger Things: The First Shadow  transforms into a theatrical spectacle, skilfully balancing the essence of the original series with innovative stagecraft. The opening scene was action-packed, visceral, and had me on the edge of my seat. Names and references known to fans were expertly woven in, creating an immediate connection to the TV series right from the word ‘go’. The play, though set in 1959, resonated with familiar echoes from Stranger Things, pulling us into the action as if we were part of an immersive experience, with actors and special effects alike, moving around and through the auditorium at key moments.

The story revolves around Henry Creel, portrayed by the impressively talented Louis McCartney in his stunning stage debut. As someone who has struggled with ADHD my whole life, I found the play’s exploration of being different, the struggle to appear ‘normal’, and the internal battles faced by Henry profoundly relatable and moving. McCartney’s performance was both powerful and nuanced, bringing to life the anguish and turmoil of his character.

Isabella Pappas, in the role of Joyce Maldonado, delivered a standout performance. She brilliantly captured Joyce’s essence, familiar to us from the TV show, while also making the character distinctively her own. Her portrayal was imbued with both compassion and passion, qualities that have made Joyce a beloved character. Oscar Lloyd’s portrayal of young Jim Hopper Jr. added another layer of intrigue. His performance skilfully navigated the complexities of a character destined for a profound connection with Joyce.

The casting of Christopher Buckley as Bob Newby, the original Hawkins High AV geek, added heartwarming layers of depth to a character we cherished in the series. His portrayal brought back fond memories of Sean Astin’s role, adding a sense of continuity and warmth to the play.

Ella Karuna Williams, as Patty, delivered a performance that was both poignant and powerful. Her portrayal of Patty’s struggles, from grappling with her identity as a person of colour in a family and community that is almost entirely white, to her complex relationship with her adopted father and her quest to connect with her past, was both believable and at times heart wrenching. Williams brought depth and empathy to Patty, making her journey a vital part of the narrative. Her hope that Henry can somehow help her connect to her past is a poignant aspect of her story, illustrating her internal battle between embracing her identity and the longing to understand who she really is. Their intertwined narratives not only explored individual struggles but also reflected broader societal themes of otherness and diversity, adding to the play’s rich depths.

Of course in a Stranger Things play, I had high expectations for the visual effects… I’ve already mentioned a play from a certain wizarding franchise, that back in 2017 blew me out of my seat with its use of projection to create miracles on the stage, well Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes the use of projection and other theatrical wizardry, to produce literally unbelievable effects, to a whole new level. Miriam Buether’s imaginative sets, combined with Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher’s groundbreaking visual effects, not only enhanced the action and the story but also immersed the audience in a world where fantasy and reality collide.

It is important to note, that even though the show is full of nostalgia and Easter eggs for the Stranger Things fans, a newcomer to the franchise could just as easily come to the play and would love it as a standalone piece.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow was an extraordinary experience. It captured and expanded the essence of the Stranger Things world in a way that was both respectful to the original material and audaciously innovative. I can’t wait to visit the show again in the New Year and urge you to get your tickets now! 

Tickets are currently on sale until August 25th 2024, to book visit www.uk.strangerthingsonstage.com

For our exclusive interview with Oscar Lloyd on playing James Hopper Jr visit www.1883magazine.com/oscar-lloyd

Words by Nick Barr