Stranger Things: The First Shadow

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Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Stranger Things, The First Shadow Poster.jpeg
Promotional poster
Written byKate Trefry
Story by
Based on Stranger Things
by The Duffer Brothers
Directed by Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin (Co-Director)
Date premieredDecember 14, 2023 (2023-12-14)
Place premiered Phoenix Theatre, London
Original languageEnglish
Genre
Setting Hawkins, Indiana
Official site

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]

Contents

Background

In 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

West End (2023)

On 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]

Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre, London, in April 2024 Stranger Things- The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre, London, April 2024.jpg
Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre, London, in April 2024

Broadway (2025)

On 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

CharacterWest 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 NewbyElla Karuna Williams
Victor Creel Michael Jibson
Virginia Creel Lauren Ward
Alice CreelImogen Turner
Faith Delaney
Anika Boyle
Chief HopperShane Attwooll
Lonnie ByersChase Brown
Charles SinclairAmmar Duffus
Ted WheelerGilles Geary
Karen Childress Florence Guy
Principal NewbyMatthew Pidgeon
Walter HendersonCalum Ross
Claudia YountMaisie Norma Seaton
Sue AndersonKemi Awoderu

Notable replacements

West End (2023-)

Awards and nominations

YearAward CeremonyCategoryNomineeResult
2024 WhatsOnStage Awards [15] Best New PlayWon
Best Professional Debut PerformanceLouis McCartneyNominated
Best Casting DirectionJessica RonaneNominated
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 DesignThe Creative PartnershipNominated
Laurence Olivier Awards [16] Best Entertainment or Comedy PlayWon
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

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References

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