★★★★★

Booked almost a year in advance this was definitely one of the pieces of theatre that I have been most looking forward to. It had a lot to live up to, given the popularity and the gripping nature of the TV show, and I was apprehensive how it would transfer to the stage. Would those heart stopping moments still be there? Also, as a prequel how would it relate the characters that I already knew so well? I have to be upfront and say that I did see it in the final week of previews so things may have changed by opening night.

Set 24 years before the events of season 1 this play focuses on the teenage versions of Joyce and Hopper and introduce us to the town of Hawkins ‘before the world turned upside down’ at a time when the only strange thing happening are that many neighbourhood pets are being found dead. Over the course of the evening we learn the back story of Henry Creel – although no knowledge of the TV show is necessary, a familiarity with season 4 is advised.

The play is written by Kate Terry but the Duffer Brothers who created the TV show, developed the story and serve as Executive Producers. Even before the play starts, this tells you that it is going to remain faithful to the cannon and certainly publicity around the play has indicated that there are clues to the upcoming season 5 in it.

So what can I say without giving away too many spoilers? Technically this is a spectacular piece of theatre. The opening sequence alone will transport you away from the theatre and is staged in such a way that you believe you could be watching a piece of film – although there is an immersive element where we were in the Grand Circle. The audience was clearly full of fans of the TV show and there was a feeling that this was going to be well received regardless of how it actually turned out – cue the cheers and applause after the opening sequence when the ‘credits’ rolled.

There are many moments during the play that make you think ‘how did they do that?’. The effects are designed by James Harrison and Chris Fisher who between them also created the illusions and effects for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The Time Traveller’s Wife. Here set and actors cleverly mix with video effects to persuade you that you are watching The Upside Down appearing in front of you on the stage.

Overall, what you have is an electric three hours that pushes the boundaries of what theatre can do. Director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin never allow the pace to slow, nor allow you time to digest what you have seen. The town of Hawkins and its inhabitants are brought to life on stage and for fans of the show this will be one of the biggest appeals. You could almost hear an audible gasp as it reached its peak in the final scene as all of the pieces slotted into place and brought us bang up to 1983 and the Stranger Things we know from season 1.

By focusing on the origin story of Henry Creel (played expertly by Louis McCartney in his professional debut) we see another side to the monster that we are presented with in the TV show. Louis McCartney creates just enough sympathy from the audience for his situation, despite the fact that we know where it is leading. As a result the final destination for his family feels different to how it did on TV where you didn’t have the same backstory.

But he is not the only character for whom we gain a new understanding. Joyce and Hopper are in High School and it would be too easy for the actors to give us an impression of these characters. Isabella Pappas is especially noteworthy as Joyce. From the Grand Circle I had to remind myself several times that it wasn’t Winona Ryder on stage, as Isabella Pappas has her mannerisms and voice down to a tee. However, it is not just an impression. This is a Joyce who is idealistic and full of life as she leads the school drama club. She is not yet worn down by life in Hawkins and life as a single mother. She is different, but at the same time we can see the trajectory and how this portrayal will morph into the adult Joyce.

Is the play perfect? Despite my star rating I’d say it’s probably not. It could probably be tightened in length (apparently 30 mins had been cut in the early stages of previews) but even at 3 hours it holds your attention the whole way through. Visually it is stunning and if you are a fan of the TV show then do what you can to grab a ticket.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is playing at the Phoenix Theatre. Tickets are available here – https://uk.strangerthingsonstage.com

Photos © Manuel Harlan