The Global Media Site for Entertainment.
Menu
A Stranger Things West End show prepares to debut this autumn. The prequel to the hit Netflix show will focus on the origin story of Henry Creel, better known as Vecna – the supervillain from the most recent series. Set in the 1950s and tipped to feature a younger cast of the adults from the 1980s themed television show, excitement is already brewing at the prospect of Londoners delving into the upside down.
The new production is titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and while the plot has not been announced as yet, we do know that it will be a show and not a musical theatre production. Based on the popular series, the original story is written by Jack Thorne, Kate Trefry, Matt and Ross Duffer, and will be directed by Stephen Daldry. It will be produced by Sonia Friedman Productions with Netflix. Set in the series’ native Indiana in 1959, the prequel show is set to feature favourite adult characters such as Jim Hopper, Joyce Byers, and Henry Creel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the creative team for Stranger Things: The First Shadow will feature set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel; lighting design by Jon Clark; sound design by Paul Arditti; illusions design by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher; video design by 59 Productions; movement direction by Coral Messam; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG; international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan; and technical direction by Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates.
BEFORE THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN…
Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.
Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.
The Duffer Brothers released a statement that read:
“We are beyond excited about Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary, and heartfelt. You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of Stranger Things. We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won’t—it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!”
Greg Lombardo the VP of live experiences at Netflix expressed his excitement, saying:
“Stranger Things has captured the imagination of fans around the world, and we are incredibly thrilled to expand this exciting universe with Netflix’s first live stage production. With the creative talents of Matt and Ross Duffer combined with Sonia Friedman and Stephen Daldry, theatregoers will be swept up in a truly epic event worthy of Stranger Things.”
The show certainly sounds like it will be a night full of entertainment and mystery, in keeping with the much-loved series. We will update as more details are announced.
Sign up for priority access to tickets:
Accessibility At The Smith Center Series: Part One
James “Fitz” FitzSimmons Interview: The Boys In The Band On Netflix
Michelle is a musician and composer from the UK. She has performed across the UK and Europe and is passionate about arts education and opportunities for women and girls.
Read Full Profile
© 2021 TheatreArtLife. All rights reserved.
Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month.
Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy.
To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime.
Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals.
