Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a play written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry. The story serves as a prequel to the events of the television series Stranger Things. It first previewed on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14 at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End to rave reviews.[1][2]
| Stranger Things: The First Shadow | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Written by | Kate Trefry |
| Story by |
|
| Based on | Stranger Things by The Duffer Brothers |
| Directed by | Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin (Co-Director) |
| Date premiered | December 14, 2023 |
| Place premiered | Phoenix Theatre, London |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | |
| Setting | Hawkins, Indiana |
| Official site | |
Background
editIn July 2022, it was revealed that a spin-off stage play and a spin-off series was in the works.[3] The stage play was produced by Sonia Friedman, directed by Stephen Daldry,[4] and written by Kate Trefry,[5] based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry.[6]
Production history
editWest End (2023)
editOn March 1, 2023, the show's title was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow.[7] The show began previews on November 17, 2023 and officially opened on December 14, 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre.[8][1]
The production is directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin, set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, illusions design & visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, video design & visual effects by 59 Productions, movement direction by Coral Messam, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Jessica Ronane Casting CDG, international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan, Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates is technical director, with further creative team members to be announced.[9]
On September 20, 2023, the full cast was announced. The company will feature Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr., Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado, Chris Buckley as Bob Newby, Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, Patrick Vaill as Dr. Brenner, Ella Karuna Williams as Patty Newby, Michael Jibson as Victor Creel, and Lauren Ward as Virginia Creel.[10][1]
Broadway (2025)
editOn August 6, 2024 it was announced that the show would transfer to Broadway in Spring 2025. Previews are expected to begin at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, while the play's official opening date is scheduled for April 22, 2025.[11] While further casting is yet to be announced, Louis McCartney is expected to reprise his role as Henry Creel from London.[12]
Cast and characters
edit| Character | West End[13] |
|---|---|
| 2023 | |
| James Hopper Jr. | Oscar Lloyd |
| Joyce Maldonado | Isabella Pappas |
| Bob Newby | Chris Buckley |
| Henry Creel | Louis McCartney |
| Dr. Brenner | Patrick Vaill |
| Alan Munson | Max Harwood |
| Patty Newby | Ella Karuna Williams |
| Victor Creel | Michael Jibson |
| Virginia Creel | Lauren Ward |
| Alice Creel | Imogen Turner |
| Faith Delaney | |
| Anika Boyle | |
| Chief Hopper | Shane Attwooll |
| Lonnie Byers | Chase Brown |
| Charles Sinclair | Ammar Duffus |
| Ted Wheeler | Gilles Geary |
| Karen Childress | Florence Guy |
| Principal Newby | Matthew Pidgeon |
| Walter Henderson | Calum Ross |
| Claudia Yount | Maisie Norma Seaton |
| Sue Anderson | Kemi Awoderu |
Notable replacements
editWest End (2023-)
edit- Virginia Creel: Lauren O'Neil[14]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | WhatsOnStage Awards[15] | Best New Play | Won | |
| Best Professional Debut Performance | Louis McCartney | Nominated | ||
| Best Casting Direction | Jessica Ronane | Nominated | ||
| Best Lighting Design | Jon Clark | Nominated | ||
| Best Set Design | Miriam Buether | Nominated | ||
| Best Sound Design | Paul Arditti | Nominated | ||
| Best Video Design | 59 Productions | Nominated | ||
| Best Graphic Design | The Creative Partnership | Nominated | ||
| Laurence Olivier Awards[16] | Best Entertainment or Comedy Play | Won | ||
| Best Director | Stephen Daldry (Director), Justin Martin (Co-Director) | Nominated | ||
| Best Lighting Design | Jon Clark | Nominated | ||
| Best Set Design | Miriam Buether (Set Design), 59 Productions (Video Design) | Won | ||
| Best Sound Design | Paul Arditti | Nominated | ||
References
edit- ^ a b c Porter, Rick (September 20, 2023). "'Stranger Things' Stage Play Sets Cast, Opening Date". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ "'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Cast Tease West End Play: 'It's Like Being in a F—ing Action Film'". Variety. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Netflix announces 'Stranger Things' spin-off as creators form new production company". CNBC. BBC News. July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
- ^ "Stranger Things spin-offs to include play made by British theatre duo". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
- ^ "Stranger Things prequel play combines darkness and fun, creators say". BBC News. March 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ^ "Sonia Friedman Productions". soniafriedman.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ^ Huff, Lauren (March 1, 2023). "Stranger Things to get stage play about 1959 Hawkins featuring young Hopper, Joyce, and Vecna". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
- ^ "Ambassador Theatre Group announces 'Stranger Things' performance dates". ATG Tickets. ATG. March 21, 2023. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ "Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Official Box Office | Phoenix Theatre". Phoenix Theatre, London. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (September 20, 2023). "'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Reveals Full Cast For World Premiere In London's West End". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ Huston, Caitlin. "Netflix's 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' to Open on Broadway in Spring 2025". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ Rosky, Nicole. "Louis McCartney Will Lead STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW on Broadway". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ "Cast & Creative - Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Official Site". uk.strangerthingsonstage.com/. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Full casting announced for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the West End's Phoenix Theatre | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. September 25, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Nominations in full: 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards". December 7, 2023. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ "Olivier awards 2024: complete list of nominations". The Guardian. March 12, 2024. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 12, 2024.