Stranger Things Review: A Masterpiece of Nostalgia and Terror
The hit Netflix Series has arrived in the West End but gives us a backstory into why the whole world of the Upside Down exists.
★★★★★
Picture it! Hawkins, Indiana, 1959. All is well in the little suburban town. That is, until the Creel family arrives, things take a turn for the worse. A rash of sinister things begins to occur. It’s not long until Hawkins becomes the epicenter of another world called The Upside Down.
The play by Kate Trefry is based on the original TV series by the Duffer Brothers, but this production, currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre, serves more as a prequel to that. Trefry masterfully weaves together a story that introduces the seeds of terror and mystery we have come to love in the Stranger Things universe. Her writing reveals the complex beginnings of the Creel family, the town of Hawkins, and the hauntingly terrifying powers of young Henry Creel. Each scene feels like a puzzle piece falling into place, giving fans the backstory they have been craving while leaving enough mystery to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Trefry’s depiction of Henry’s transformation from a troubled young soul into a powerful and terrifying figure is mesmerizing. The writing does not just skim the surface of this terror; it plunges the audience into the psychological depth of Henry’s burgeoning abilities. The horror of witnessing his first gruesome acts, like when he uses his powers to kill someone’s cat or the devastating scene where he turns on his family, is written with such intensity that it will send chills down your spine! These moments have set the stage for the villain we know he will become later down the line. It adds more weight and suspense to the impending final season of the TV series.
The design team, led by 59 Production and lighting designer Jon Clark, deserves massive praise for making “The First Shadow” feel like a true extension of the Stranger Things universe. The set, lighting, and sound design will immerse you so that you forget you’re still in a theatre. At certain points in the show, it feels like you have stepped into the world of Hawkins, or worse, the Upside Down.
The bridge scene where Henry tries to kill Patty Newby (played with heart-wrenching innocence by Ella Karuna Williams) is a showstopper. The effects team uses lighting, sound, and cleverly manipulated set pieces to make Henry’s powers feel real and terrifying. You can feel the weight of his power pushing against the world, a dark force spiraling out of control. It's a breathtaking moment of terror that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
Another scene that deserves mention is the shocking moment where Henry kills a cat, a pivotal moment in both Henry’s character development and the tone of the show. The cinematic effects employed here are visceral, using shadow and lighting to evoke the claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere we've come to expect from the Upside Down. The play’s design brings the horror genre to life in ways that few stage productions have ever achieved.
Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin have created something truly magical here. Their direction merges the best elements of cinema with theatre’s raw, live energy. From the moment the lights go down, the pace of the show feels almost filmic, with each scene flowing seamlessly into the next. The duo has a supernatural ability to create visual spectacles on stage that feel grand in scale yet intimate in emotional detail. Their use of space is impressive. They transport you from one location to another with effortless precision. It keeps the tension high while striking the perfect balance between the action-packed sequences and the introspective moments that delve into the character’s innermost self.
Although most of the cast members are relatively unknown, they bring performances that are simply unforgettable, especially for Louis McCartney, who plays Henry Creel. He embodies both the vulnerability and the creeping menace of a boy wrestling with his dark powers. It is a portrayal that is layered with a haunting complexity that makes his transformation into the villain we all know tragic and terrifying to watch. A cast change is coming in November, so I highly recommend catching this current lineup before they leave.
In conclusion, this play is not just a side story; it is an essential piece of the storyline that fans should consider seeing before the final season of the TV series airs. It provides key insights into the origins of the Upside Down and Henry Creel. With this production, the Stranger Things universe expands in thrilling, unexpected ways, giving us more to look forward to as the series approaches its epic conclusion.
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things—or even if you’re just someone who loves visually stunning, emotionally compelling theater—this show is unmissable. The writing, direction, performances, and cinematic design all combine to create an immersive experience that stays with you long after you leave the theater. See it now! This is a story worth witnessing!
Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Phoenix Theatre
Attended on 26 September 2024