Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a play directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin with a set designed by Miriam Buether. It was written by The Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Katie Trefry. It is based off the Netflix show, Stranger Things, created by The Duffer Brothers. It is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre, London.
The First Shadow is a horror sci-fi prequel to the show it is based off, a villain origin story interweaving the past of many other characters as well. It is a non-musical and it is set in 1959, following the story of a young Henry Creel, later to be known as Vecna by the characters of the future. It also gives us backstory into characters such as Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado and Bob Newby as well as introducing us to unseen characters such as Patty Newby.
Within the play, there are also bits of comedy, romance and action. It is an immersive experience with actors walking down the theatre seat isles and some special effects going out towards the seats. The play stars Oscar Lloyd, Isabella Pappas, Christopher Buckley, Ella Karuna Williams and Louis McCartney. Some of the production follows Henry Creel and Patty Newby and their tragic story and the other follows Joyce, Hopper and Bob Newby who want to investigate the mysterious animal deaths.
In the show, there were many different sets and costumes, dance scenes, singing and intense action. There were also incredible sound effects, making you feel like you were experiencing the show as a character and great use of lighting to install fear in the audience, or other emotions such as sadness.
Overall, the play was a success, it ended in a standing ovation from the entire crowd and many people exiting the theatre was having animated conversations about their favourite parts. The acting was phenomenal, the writing was skilfully written in a way that worked as a play but kept the same feel of a Stranger Things episode and overall, the experience was one of much enjoyment for a good majority of the audience.
