As you step into the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, get ready to be transported to Hawkins, Indiana, where the ordinary and extraordinary collide. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is an immersive theatrical experience that delves into the origins of terror and mystery that would later define its iconic characters.
Conceived by Matt and Ross Duffer with creative input from Tony Award-winning director Stephen Daldry (co-directed by Justin Martin) and playwright Kate Trefry (known for her work on Fear Street), this production is deeply rooted in Stranger Things mythology.
The play unfolds in 1959 Hawkins, where young Jim Hopper struggles with his car while Joyce Maldonado dreams of escaping her mundane life. Enter Henry Creel (played by Louis Healy), whose arrival sets off a chain of events that expose dark forces lurking beneath Hawkins’ idyllic surface. As Henry navigates his new environment alongside Patty Newby (Miranda Mufema), they form an unlikely bond amidst disappearing pets and eerie occurrences — a narrative thread weaving together familiar lore with new characters whose fates are intertwined with those we know well from the TV series.
The cast delivers performances that are nuanced and captivating. Louis Healy shines as Henry Creel, bringing depth to a character torn between darkness and innocence — much like Shakespeare’s tragic heroes grappling with their own demons. His portrayal humanises Henry’s origin story without diminishing its horror elements; a delicate balance crucial for maintaining audience empathy.
Andy Langtree as Victor Creel adds complexity through his commanding presence, echoing powerful figures like King Lear or Macbeth who embody authority yet vulnerability simultaneously.
Stephen Daldry’s direction masterfully blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural horror elements akin to classic works like The Crucible. Choreographed scenes integrate action sequences reminiscent of blockbuster films but retain an intimate theatrical feel — much like how musicals use dance numbers to advance plotlines or reveal character traits (think West Side Story). Daldry’s vision ensures every moment feels purposeful; each scene builds upon another much like layers unfolding in Edgar Allan Poe’s tales, where suspense is crafted through deliberate pacing rather than hasty revelations.
Technically speaking, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is breathtakingly brilliant visually. The set design transports viewers back decades while incorporating modern special effects into traditional stagecraft (a feat similar to what was achieved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
At its core, The First Shadow explores themes relevant today: identity formation amidst chaos, community resilience facing unknown threats, and power dynamics within institutions controlling individual lives. Your heart races alongside Henry during intense confrontations, yet also swells during moments when he finds fleeting peace among newfound friends. Stranger Things:The First Shadow is an artistic achievement blending genres deftly while expanding upon beloved lore. It’s a wonderful evening at the theatre.