"Stranger Things" Takes the London West End Stage
On December 14, 2023, the play "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," a prequel to the eponymous Netflix series, premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. Theatre critics and journalists present at the premiere have already dubbed "The First Shadow" the "Main Theatrical Event of the Year," according to the Telegraph.
The premiere preview took place in an atmosphere of heightened secrecy: at the entrance to the auditorium, theatre staff "sealed" smartphone lenses with special stickers to prevent pirated filming of the performance.
The plot of the prequel play unfolds in the same town of Hawkins in 1959, 20 years before the events depicted in the series. The story revolves around a group of teenage school students—Bob, Jim, and Joyce—who, while investigating mysterious animal deaths, witness inexplicable supernatural events. The play also reveals the backstory of Henry Krill, a troubled teenage paranormal, who in the 4th season becomes the monster in the Upside Down world.
Theatrical critics highlight the unforgettable atmosphere of the performance, stunning special effects, including levitation and light shows, as well as masterful work with set design and sound accompaniment, impressive screams, and scenes of violence. In most reviews and critiques, the three-hour play "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" received the highest rating of five stars.
As noted in her review by the lead critic of The Guardian, Arifa Akbar:
"Even if you can’t keep up with the plot, it is underpinned by serious inquiries into the psychopathy of war, toxic inheritance, and the search for good parents and release from bad ones. It also touches on othering and adolescent anxieties about being 'normal.'"
In 2016, the "Stranger Things" series, created by the Duffer Brothers, topped Netflix ratings and was immediately renewed for a second season. The success of this science fiction series was attributed to successful casting (both adult and child actors), an intriguing plot, numerous nostalgic references to 80s science fiction (from Spielberg's "E.T." to King's "It"), and the performance of the lead role by Millie Bobby Brown, who made her debut in the project. As of today, "Stranger Things" has four seasons, with the fifth season expected to conclude in the summer of 2024. Additionally, Matt and Ross Duffer have announced the development of a Stranger Things spin-off, which will not be directly tied to the original story's characters.