Stranger Things The First Shadow - An Eye On The West End

Netflix's smash hit, Stranger Things, has now been turned into an equally successful West End play and, this week, Phil Hopkins, has been in London checking out the Duffer Brothers’ inspired phenomenon at the Phoenix Theatre: from the pen of Kate Trefry, the prequel, Stranger Things The First Shadow.

Every film or tv writer must dream of creating something that engenders fanaticism in its viewers, for therein lies the seeds of success, explaining why Matt and Ross Duffer, creators of Netflix’s smash series, Stranger Things, must not only be popping the champagne corks, but also enjoying their weekly visits to the bank!

For their tv series, now with four seasons to its credit, has metamorphed once again, but this time not into the malevolent being from the Upside Down, Vecna, but into a stage play from the pen of Kate Trefry, one of the series’ original creators.



The Phoenix Theatre’s production is playing to packed houses, attracting diehard fans and newbies alike, all keen to worship their movie masters or, indeed, dash home to watch the Netflix series that got away.

So, with Mrs Hopkins in tow – a Stranger Things diehard – and the writer of this piece, exuding excitement, amusement and cynicism in equal measure, we set off for Charing Cross Road and The Phoenix Theatre, where we last saw Come From Away, another hit that went on to tour the UK

The moment you enter the theatre, you’re transported to Hawkins, Indiana, and the 1980’s with dim lighting, nostalgic décor and, somehow, an atmosphere of foreboding.

Directed by Stephen Daldry - Billy Elliott, The Crown and winner of three Tony awards – this original story serves as a bridge between seasons 4 and 5, explaining the origin of Henry Creel, a new villain in season 4 whose teenage years in Hawkins overlap with those of Hopper, Joyce and Bob: all favourites in the ‘later timescale’ tv show.

Personally, the whole evening was an intriguing mystery for me and, at first I really wasn’t sure whether I would have much preferred to have been back at the Adelphi for a re-run of Back To The Future – The Musical, which I saw the previous evening.

However, I endured and was as much mesmerised by the diehard audience as I soon became by the show itself: to say most in attendance were lost in an alternative universe was an understatement and, by the end of evening, they were on their feet and euphorically cheering the cast no end. What did I know?

Mrs Hopkins also loved it; little wonder that the play is booking well into 2025.

Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, the OCD, autistic oddball with the superpowers, was just brilliant: a performance driven by pure talent and superb direction.

But, without doubt, he carried the show, ably supported by a dynamic cast, full to the brim with wonderful characterisations and energetic performances.

Somehow Stranger Things The First Shadow draws you in – even as the novice I was – and the illusions and visual effects from the hands of Jamie Harrison, Chris Fisher and 59 Productions are breathtakingly brilliant, explaining why you shouldn’t leave the theatre, at any point, and head back to see Marty McFly!

One thing I can guarantee is that you will love this play OR you won’t know what the Hell’s just happened but, one thing’s for sure, you will be compelled to dash home, subscribe to Netflix and discover what on earth you have just witnessed.

Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Calum Ross (Walter Henderson), Maisie Norma Seaton (Claudia Yount) - photo by Manuel Harlan

Tickets
Tickets to shows at the Phoenix Theatre can be purchased online HERE or alternatively in person from the theatre box office.

Stranger Things The First Shadow is currently booking until Sunday 16th February 2025
Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JP